The ICC (International Cricket Council) has confirmed satisfaction with the security arrangements in a media release issued today (January 5, 2016) as a result of internal ICC security reviews and external reviews. The ICC media release acknowledges that Cricket Australia has decided to withdraw the country’s Under-19 team from the tournament. As a result, Cricket Ireland has been invited to participate; an invitation made as a result of Ireland placing second in the Global U19 World Cup qualifier held in the second half of 2015. That global event comprised the five second-placed teams from the original ICC Under-19 Regional qualifying tournaments for ICC Associate and Affiliate members.
Cricket Australia had withdrawn the senior team from a planned tour of Bangladesh. Cricket Australia’s reasons for withdrawal are noted in today’s ICC Media release and are based on the Australian Government’s concerns and advice. Reports on the ESPNCricinfo and Cricket Europe websites provide more information about Cricket Australia’s decision. A decision that includes the hope Australia will soon be able to return to play cricket in Bangladesh.
Assuming Cricket Ireland accepts the ICC’s invitation to participate in this 2016 ICC Under-19 CWC, Ireland will, presumably, meet Canada in a warm-up game where Australia 19s had been scheduled as Canada’s opponents.

Eddie Norfolk