ODI captain Mashrafe urges England players to tour Bangladesh

Bangladesh limited-overs captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has sent out words of reassurance to England players ahead of the ECB's final decision about the tour.

He has urged them to visit Bangladesh without any concerns as the security team of the England and Wales Cricket Board prepare to brief their players on the situation on Thursday.

"I still believe they will come. Strict security is in place for all teams even in ordinary situations. We know the BCB and the government will take the necessary security measures," Mashrafe said on Wednesday.

"As a player I'd say sport should continue. These incidents are taking place all over the world. If we keep putting the games off like this, a time will come when we will stop playing.

"There were attacks in France and still the Euros was held there."

On Tuesday, Eoin Morgan, captain of England's ODI team, which is supposed to arrive first, said players can decide individually whether they want to be part of the tour or not.

Headed by ECB's security adviser Reg Dickason, a three-man security team visited Bangladesh and conducted venue and hotel inspections.

Having returned to England, the team will hold a discussion with the ODI squad and Test captain Alastair cook where information on England's last two tours of Bangladesh will be used for a deeper assessment.

Mashrafe addressed the England players in his impassioned plea.

"Come to Bangladesh. I am sure you guys can play cricket here without any worries. You don't have to think of anything else.

"I am hoping for a great competition. And if we play under the given circumstances, our friendship will get deeper.

"It is not just about the game. There are a lot of things connected to this series."