Bangladesh scrap cricket celebration over coronavirus fears
DHAKA: A major cricket celebration in Bangladesh this month to mark 100 years since the birth of the country's founding president has been postponed because of the coronavirus epidemic.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has shelved next week's series of "Mujib 100 events" to commemorate the centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's birth, including a concert by Oscar-winning Indian music director AR Rahman and two "Asia v Rest of the World" Twenty20 cricket internationals.
"The decision to postpone the events was based on the general cautionary advice for the public from the government and international health agencies," Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury said.
"We regret the inconveniences but at the same time hope that everyone concerned will understand our position as this is a major health issue across the globe and we cannot leave anything to chance," he said.
BCB president Nazmul Hassan told reporters they would try to host the event at a later date.
Bangladesh has so far reported three coronavirus cases, which prompted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the country's health authorities to advise people to avoid mass gatherings. - AFP