CAPE TOWN, April 2: South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis has withdrawn from the tour of Bangladesh because of an illness in his family.

Although Kallis was not immediately available for comment, it is known that his father has been ill for some time.

“Our thoughts are with Jacques at this difficult time and we wish him well,” United Cricket Board of South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola said in a media statement on Wednesday.

“Should his circumstances allow it and he wishes to join up with the team later in the tour, he will be welcome to.”

South Africa confirmed on Tuesday the tour would go ahead after receiving assurances over the team’s security. The war in Iraq had prompted speculation it might be cancelled.

South Africa are due to play a triangular one-day tournament, which also includes India, and two Tests against Bangladesh. The one-day series begins on April 11.

The South Africans pulled out of this week’s Sharjah tournament a week ago following the outbreak of war in Iraq.—Reuters