What is the future of Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup? The answer will be known on Wednesday, January 21. The ICC has given the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) a final deadline. A meeting was held with ICC representatives and the BCB on Saturday, January 17. The BCB maintained its stubborn stance during the meeting. Their proposed solution was to change groups if necessary. However, it seems the ICC is unlikely to accept this proposal. It is now understood that the BCB must inform the ICC of its decision by Wednesday.
Despite several rounds of talks over the past three weeks, the two sides have not reached a resolution, despite the opening match date drawing closer.
On Saturday afternoon in Dhaka, two top ICC officials had a meeting with BCB officials. The Bangladesh Cricket Board informed the two top officials of the world cricket governing body that they are concerned about the security reasons in India which they have cited. Therefore, sending the team to India is not possible. In that case, they suggested that the ICC consider placing them in a different group as an alternative. Doing so would not require too many changes to the schedule.
In Saturday’s meeting, the ICC reportedly rejected a proposal to swap Bangladesh with Ireland. Such a move would have shifted Bangladesh to Group B and allowed the team to play its early matches in Sri Lanka. The ICC has not yet officially responded to Bangladesh’s alternative proposal. However, there are questions about whether this proposal is even feasible. This is because the consent of seven other teams would be required.
According to reports, the ICC is not particularly in favour of Bangladesh changing groups. Sources say that if Bangladesh remains adamant about not playing the World Cup in India, an alternative country may be chosen to replace them. According to the ICC rankings, Scotland is at the top of the list in that case.
ICC officials assured the BCB that there is no specific security threat to the Bangladesh team in India. The governing body referred to independent risk assessments conducted by internationally recognised security experts.
Bangladesh is currently in Group C of World Cup
Bangladesh is currently in Group C of the World Cup. The group also includes teams like England, West Indies, Nepal, and Italy. According to sources, Bangladesh wants to be moved to Group B in place of Ireland, and Ireland to be moved to Group C in their place. Group B includes Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Oman, and Ireland. There is not much time left before the tournament, so the ICC needs to resolve the matter quickly.
According to reports, the entire picture will become clear by next Wednesday. Now it remains to be seen which way the situation will turn. The final call now rests with the BCB. If the board decides not to send the team to India, the ICC is expected to announce a replacement. Based on current rankings, Scotland is seen as the most likely option.
As per the current plan, Bangladesh is scheduled to open their campaign against the West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. They will play two more group matches at the same venue before their final group game at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
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