New Delhi: The Bangladesh Cricket Board has reiterated its concerns over the national team’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, drawing parallels with arrangements followed for India and Pakistan in global tournaments. The board said the International Cricket Council has expressed willingness to engage closely on security planning, even as Bangladesh’s request for a change of venue remains undecided.
Bangladesh is scheduled to play four matches in the tournament, beginning on February 7, with fixtures allotted in Kolkata and Mumbai. The BCB said the ICC has assured it of full and uninterrupted participation for the team and has agreed to consider Bangladesh’s inputs as part of detailed security preparations. While the ICC has not formally accepted the demand to shift venues, discussions are continuing.
Addressing a press conference, BCB president Aminul Islam and government advisor Asif Nazrul underlined that Bangladesh wants to compete in the tournament but will not compromise on issues of security, dignity, and national honour. Nazrul said the board would continue to place strong arguments before the ICC, stressing that the current environment does not meet their expectations for player safety.
Aminul Islam pointed to the long standing arrangement under which India and Pakistan play ICC matches in neutral venues due to security considerations. He argued that the same principle should be applied to Bangladesh’s matches if similar concerns exist. He expressed hope that the ICC would respond constructively, noting that hybrid models in past tournaments were adopted primarily to address security challenges.
Tensions between India and Bangladesh have risen in recent months, particularly following the removal of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League. While no official explanation was provided, the decision was widely linked to strained diplomatic relations. The development prompted the BCB to formally request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches in India be shifted to co host Sri Lanka.
The ICC has not issued a public statement on the matter so far, and a scheduled meeting between the two bodies could not take place earlier this week. The BCB, however, said it remains committed to constructive and professional engagement and is confident of reaching an amicable and practical solution.
The board also dismissed reports suggesting it had been issued an ultimatum to either play as scheduled or forfeit matches. Bangladesh is placed in Group C and is set to face the West Indies, England, Ireland, and Nepal in the tournament.
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