New Delhi: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has revealed its discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding safety concerns for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. The BCB had requested that its four group-stage matches be moved from India to co-host Sri Lanka following the removal of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL squad, a decision influenced by the BCCI amid rising political tensions between the two countries.
In a statement, the BCB said the ICC has expressed its commitment to ensuring the Bangladesh team’s full and uninterrupted participation. “The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the Board’s inputs will be considered as part of detailed security planning for the event,” the statement read.
Despite these assurances, NDTV sources confirmed that the ICC has rejected the proposal to shift matches to Sri Lanka. The governing body is pursuing a diplomatic approach, scheduling high-level talks to resolve the issue while avoiding any punitive measures. The ICC has clarified that Bangladesh will not forfeit points at this stage, with discussions ongoing to find mutually acceptable arrangements.
The T20 World Cup will take place from February 7 to March 8 across India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh, in Group C, is scheduled to play its matches in Kolkata against West Indies (February 7), Italy (February 9), and England (February 14), before traveling to Mumbai to face Nepal on February 17.
The controversy began after Mustafizur Rahman was released from his Rs 9.20 crore KKR contract on BCCI instructions, following political sensitivities related to treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. Reports indicate that the IPL Governing Council and other BCCI officials did not formally meet to discuss the decision, which was reportedly directed from the top of the board.
In response, the BCB convened an emergency board meeting, expressing deep concern over the safety of its players in India. The board stated that, under current conditions and considering advice from the Bangladesh government, the national team will not travel to India for the tournament unless security assurances are strengthened.
The ICC has yet to issue a formal public notification, and talks between the cricket boards are expected to continue in the coming days to ensure the tournament proceeds smoothly while addressing safety concerns.
