Bangladesh U19 Team Bus Attacked in Sri Lanka

During a youth cricket tour to Sri Lanka in late 2016, the Bangladesh U19 team bus was allegedly attacked while travelling between venues. Reports indicated that objects were thrown at the bus, shattering windows and causing minor injuries to several young players. The incident caused panic among the teenage cricketers and support staff.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) immediately lodged a formal protest with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), demanding an investigation and enhanced security for the remainder of the tour. SLC expressed regret over the incident and attributed it to a small group of individuals rather than any organised hostility toward the Bangladesh team.

The incident raised serious questions about the security arrangements for visiting youth teams. While senior international tours typically have extensive security protocols, U19 and youth tours often operate with minimal security — the assumption being that youth cricket does not attract the same passions and tensions as the senior game. This incident challenged that assumption.

The BCB considered withdrawing from the tour but ultimately decided to continue after receiving security assurances from SLC. The incident was a reminder that cricket rivalries can spill over into dangerous territory, and that cricket boards have a duty of care to ensure the safety of young players representing their countries abroad.