Bangladesh confirm cricket dates despite coronavirus

DHAKA (AFP): Bangladesh yesterday confirmed they will go on tour to play Ireland and that Australia will visit in June.

A number of sporting events have been called off or postponed worldwide over recent days because of concerns over the new coronavirus.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board said that they will play three ODIs against Ireland in Belfast on 14, 16 and 19 May.

Four Twenty20 games against Ireland would then be played in England, at the Oval on 22 May, Chelmsford on 24 May, Bristol on 27 May and Edgbaston on 29 May.

The first Test against Australia will be held at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong from 11-15 June and the second in Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium from 19-23 June.

Australia will also play a four-day match prior to the first Test, the date of which was yet to be confirmed.

This will be Australia's third Test series in Bangladesh and second in three years, with Bangladesh recording their maiden Test win over the side during the previous series in 2017.

Bangladesh has recorded three coronavirus cases.