In light of escalating tensions between India and Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate the T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka due to safety concerns. In response, ICC chairman Jay Shah has begun the process of creating a new schedule.
Bangladesh was originally scheduled to play three Group C matches in Kolkata: against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14, with a final match against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17. This schedule was altered following the BCCI’s request for Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Bangladesh seamer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL squad due to “recent developments,” likely referencing domestic issues in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has intensified its response following the BCCI’s actions, with Asif Nazrul, advisor for Youth and Sports in the interim government, asserting that they will not tolerate any disrespect towards Bangladesh’s cricket and cricketers. In light of the IPL decision, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) convened two emergency meetings within 24 hours, resulting in a decision to refrain from sending its team to India. The BCB expressed significant concern regarding the conditions affecting the Bangladesh National Team’s participation in upcoming matches in India.
Following a thorough assessment, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament due to safety concerns. The BCB has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate all of Bangladesh’s matches to a different venue.
The BCB decision followed Nazrul’s Facebook post, highlighting concerns over the safety of Bangladeshi cricketers in India. Nazrul urged the board to request that their matches take place in Sri Lanka. Subsequently, he expressed approval of the BCB’s decision while criticizing BCCI’s policies as “aggressive” and “communal.” This situation mirrors Pakistan’s, as its matches will also be held in Sri Lanka based on government advice.
During India’s hosting of the 2023 World Cup, Bangladeshi journalists reported visa issues, leading to India closing visa applications in Bangladesh for security reasons. The Bangladesh Cricket Board stated that this measure is crucial for the safety of its players and officials, urging the ICC for a prompt response to ensure secure participation in the tournament.
