Bangladesh Unlikely to Play T20 World Cup in India Despite ICC Decision

Bangla Press Desk: The atmosphere at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) headquarters was tense on Wednesday following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to keep Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches scheduled in India, rejecting the board’s request to move the matches over security concerns.

BCB President Aminul Islam met with cricket operations chief Nazmul Abedin and board directors Abdur Razzak and Iftekhar Rahman. Despite the meeting, the mood was somber, and no formal statements were made immediately.

Aminul indicated that Bangladesh’s participation now depends on a “miracle” within the next 24 hours. Earlier, the ICC issued a statement saying it found no grounds to change the venue, and the majority of member boards voted against moving the matches. Only Pakistan supported Bangladesh’s request.

Although the ICC did not mention it in its statement, Aminul was reportedly given one day to consult with the Bangladesh government and request a reconsideration. However, government sources have confirmed that the country’s position will not change due to security concerns.

Bangladesh has repeatedly stated that it will not play in India, citing safety issues, a position Aminul reaffirmed. “Ever since the incident involving Mustafizur in the IPL, I have felt that playing in India is not safe for us. That is exactly what I told the ICC,” he said.

He added that the government wants the team to participate in the World Cup, but safety concerns remain paramount. “We do not want to pressure the government. At this moment, playing in India is not safe. We want to play in Sri Lanka, and our position remains unchanged,” Aminul said.

Despite losing the ICC vote, Aminul expressed faint hope that the ICC could change its decision, saying, “Let’s see if a miracle happens.” He clarified that any change would have to come from the ICC.

The ICC had commissioned a Canadian agency to assess security conditions in India, and according to Aminul, the report concluded there was no major risk for Bangladesh.

When asked about possible legal options following the decision, Aminul said, “I’m not sure if that opportunity exists after the vote.”

With the government firm on its position and the ICC unwilling to reconsider, Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup now appears highly uncertain.
BP/TI