DHAKA: Ireland will send a team to the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, taking the place of Australia.

Cricket Ireland had indicated on Tuesday that it was likely to accept the ICC’s invitation to step in, although it now faces a challenge to arrange logistics with just three weeks until the start of the tournament, reports espncricinfo.

Australia withdrew from the World Cup due to concerns over security.

“Firstly, we are grateful to ICC for extending the invitation to us to participate in the tournament,” Cricket Ireland's chief executive, Warren Deutrom, said.

“Given the circumstances of the invitation, however, it was important that we used the brief time we had to investigate the safety and security situation in Bangladesh.

“While we are fully aware of the heightened security risk in the country, all we can do is rely upon expert advice, which tells us that the tournament security plan appears very comprehensive - an estimation supported by the independent assessments we have seen. Of course, we shall continue to monitor events and maintain regular contact with ICC in case the situation changes.”

Cricket Ireland has also been able to work in conjunction with the ECB and Cricket Scotland, both of which have teams participating in the tournament.

He added: “As our men’s and women’s squads discovered during the World T20, Bangladeshi people are incredibly welcoming and passionate about their cricket, so I’m certain our Under-19’s will look forward enormously to playing there.”

Ireland will replace Australia in Group D and play India in their first match, on January 28 in Mirpur.

BDST: 2123 HRS, JAN 06, 2016
SR