ICC Break Silence On Meeting With PCB & BCB: 'No Penalty Or Sanction For...'

The International Cricket Council on Monday said that their meeting with the Pakistan Cricket Board and Bangladesh Cricket Board came to a positive end, where it was concluded that the latter wouldn’t be penalised or sanctioned for not playing the T20 World Cup in India due to security concerns.

The ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament and in a show of solidarity, Pakistan said that they would boycott the India game.

Pakistan are now all set to end their boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India after a request from Bangladesh. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday that an announcement on the matter could come within the next 24 hours.

“While reflecting on the Bangladesh cricket team’s unfortunate absence from the T20

World Cup, the global governing body for cricket reaffirmed BCB’s position as a valued Full Member, with a proud cricketing history and a vital role in the growth of the global game,” ICC said in a statement.

The world body reiterated its commitment to supporting the growth of cricket in Bangladesh, home to more than 200 million passionate fans and emphasised that the team’s non-participation in the tournament will not have any long-term impact on cricket in the nation.

“It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on the Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter,” the ICC said.

The world body added that as part of the understanding, an agreement has been reached for Bangladesh to host an ICC event ahead of the 2031 World Cup, subject to the standard hosting processes.

“The ICC, PCB and BCB, along with other Members, remain committed to continued dialogue, cooperation and constructive engagement in the best interests of the sport,” the statement said.

“Bangladesh’s absence from the T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it doesn’t alter the ICC’s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation. Our focus continues to be on working with key stakeholders, including BCB, to ensure the sport grows in the country and that future opportunities for its players and fans are strengthened,” ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said.