The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) recently announced that it would not be coming to India to play the T20 World Cup. They had written to the ICC requesting that their matches be moved elsewhere. The Bangladesh board was prioritising security concerns amid escalating bilateral tensions.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has now responded to this saying matches will not be shifted outside their pre-decided venues in India. Under that pressure, the BCB has ‘bowed down’. After initially taking a strong stance, they have now changed their tune, stating that they want “constructive discussions”.

However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board, on Wednesday, denied they were given any warning about the consequences of not playing their matches in India.

What did the ICC say about shifting T20 World Cup matches outside India?

The International Cricket Council has rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s request to shift its T20 World Cup matches out of India, as per sources. The decision was conveyed during a virtual meeting between the two bodies, with the ICC making it clear that Bangladesh will have to travel to India for the tournament or risk forfeiting points.

The ICC has reportedly informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board that the tournament schedule and venues would remain unchanged despite the concerns raised. The global body told the BCB that refusing to play matches in India would have sporting consequences, including the possibility of points being forfeited. However, BCB sources have maintained that they have not yet received any official communication confirming the rejection.

The BCB requested a change of venue and stated in an email that their matches should be held in Sri Lanka instead of India. However, the ICC may not agree to the Bangladesh board’s demands. The BCB has stated that they have had discussions with Jay Shah of the ICC. Meanwhile, it has been learned that the ICC has given a virtual ultimatum to the Bangladeshi players regarding playing in India, threatening point deductions otherwise. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board is not admitting this.

They stated, “The board wants to reach a realistic solution regarding participation in the World Cup through discussions. In this regard, they want to maintain professional and constructive communication with the ICC. The Bangladesh Cricket Board is committed to prioritising the safety and security of the cricketers. However, the BCB has noticed that many media outlets are reporting that the ICC has given an ultimatum regarding playing in India. This is completely false.”

Why the sudden change in stance by Bangladesh?

Bangladesh started with the demand that they would not play in India. Now they want a realistic solution and a smooth process for their participation in the World Cup. Consequently, many believe that the BCB is being forced to ‘bow down’ because of the ICC’s firm stance.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled for February-March in India. Incidentally, Bangladesh’s matches are scheduled at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the home ground of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). But amid ongoing bilateral tensions between the neighbours the Bangladesh board is unwilling to play in India. Another major reason was BCCI’s decision last week to drop Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from playing the IPL on behalf of KKR.

Under pressure from the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, the Bangladesh Cricket Board had decided not to come to India for the T20 World Cup. Now, if the ICC officially informs Bangladesh that moving the matches is not possible, then they will be left with no other option.

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