In a decisive virtual meeting on Tuesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) shut down the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) bid to move their Men's T20 World Cup games away from India, citing security worries.
A report from ESPNcricinfo reveals that the ICC made it clear: Bangladesh must send their team to India for the February-March tournament or face point forfeits, a stark ultimatum the BCB insists it never received.
The standoff highlights escalating friction between the boards, just weeks before the 20-team event kicks off on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh sits in Group C, with their opener against West Indies in Kolkata on February 7, followed by clashes versus Italy (February 9) and England (February 14) there,
and a finale against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.
The BCB has not provided any official update on the call, but the report claims that the apex body of world cricket didn't entertain their demands. The last minute demands from Bangladesh also take a huge toll on the logistical arrangements. Although the Sri Lankan board confirmed its willingness to host the Bangladesh matches, the ICC directive may have halted any such move.
The issue emerges after BCCI instructed to release Mustafizur Rahman from KKR amid the rising geopolitical tensions with Bangladesh. The BCB wrote a letter to ICC demanding a shift in venue, citing security reasons. Tensions boiled over further with Bangladesh's IPL broadcast ban amid the Mustafizur saga, underscoring broader bilateral strains.
With the rising nature of the current conflict, the sporting relationship of the two neighbouring countries can face significant damage. And with the latest ICC verdict, for Bangladesh, skipping India risks not just points but their World Cup hopes in a tough group.
