Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has refused to withdraw its demand to relocate its T20 World Cup matches out of India, despite a request from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reconsider its stance, officials said on Tuesday.
The BCB said its position remains unchanged due to security concerns for players and officials, even as the ICC pointed out that the tournament schedule has already been finalised. Both sides have agreed to continue discussions to explore possible alternatives.
“The ICC highlighted that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested the BCB to reconsider its stance. However, the Board’s position remains unchanged. Discussions will continue to explore possible solutions,” the BCB said following talks with the ICC.
Bangladesh are scheduled to play three group-stage matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai during the T20 World Cup, which is set to begin on February 7. However, the BCB has repeatedly written to the ICC requesting that its matches be moved out of India, citing security-related concerns.
While the BCB maintains that it is unsafe for its team to travel to India, the ICC’s risk assessment has reportedly not identified any specific or direct threat to the Bangladesh team participating in the tournament.
The issue was discussed during a video conference attended by BCB President Aminul Islam and Chief Executive Officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury, along with other senior officials.
The standoff follows a series of developments, including the release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from an Indian Premier League franchise amid political tensions. Subsequently, the Bangladesh government banned the broadcast of the IPL in the country.
Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal and current Test skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto have both expressed concern over the situation, warning of long-term consequences and highlighting the mental strain on players at the prospect of missing a World Cup.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul has reiterated that Bangladesh will not back down and has called for the team’s matches to be relocated, including a proposal to co-host games in Sri Lanka.
Despite ongoing talks, the ICC is understood to be reluctant to make changes to the schedule, leaving uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation under the current arrangements. (Newswire)