Dhaka, January 13: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday requested the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to reconsider its demand to shift its T20 World Cup matches out of India. However, the BCB has declined to alter its stance, reiterating security concerns regarding the venues. Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play three league stage matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai during the tournament.
In a statement regarding the development, the BCB confirmed that its decision remains unchanged even though the international body has refused to accede to their request. As per agency report, the ICC declined the proposal because the schedule for the T20 World Cup, which is set to begin on February 7, has already been finalized. Despite this rejection, the BCB indicated that both parties have agreed to continue exploring a potential solution to the issue.
The board emphasized its commitment to protecting the interests of its players, officials, and staff, maintaining that it is not safe for the team to travel to India. In contrast, the risk assessment report by the ICC has not indicated any specific threat to the team. The ICC has clarified that it is continuously working on security preparations in coordination with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and local administration, and the process of dialogue with participating nations is ongoing.
During a video press conference held with the ICC on Tuesday, BCB President Aminul Islam, CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury, and other senior officials participated and remained firm on their decision not to send the team to India, reiterating the request to move the matches. This standoff comes in the backdrop of the Bangladesh government banning the broadcast of the IPL in the country after Mustafizur Rahman was released by the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise. However, former captain Tamim Iqbal and current Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto have cautioned against adopting such a strict stance on the matter.
