Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup is uncertain after the cricket board reiterated its request to relocate matches from India to Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh has requested a transfer of their games from India, citing security issues amid escalating tensions between the nations and advocating for them to be played in Sri Lanka, which is one of the tournament’s co-hosts.
On Wednesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) denied Bangladesh’s appeal, stating that there was an “absence of any credible security threat.”
The ICC has given the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) a timeframe of 24 hours to consult with their government and make a decision.
“Our sole request is to compete in the World Cup – just not in India,” stated BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul.
“We will return to the ICC with our proposal to play in Sri Lanka.
“Although they issued a 24-hour ultimatum, a global organization cannot really impose such a deadline. Losing out on 200 million viewers for the World Cup would ultimately be their loss.”
Scotland, being the highest-ranked nation that did not directly qualify for the World Cup, may receive a last-minute opportunity to enter the competition if the ICC substitutes Bangladesh.
The T20 World Cup, shared by India and Sri Lanka as hosts, will take place from February 7 to March 8.
Bangladesh is scheduled to play three of their four group matches in Kolkata, including one against England on February 14, with the other match set for Mumbai.
“There’s no possibility of altering our decision,” remarked Asif Nazrul, an adviser on youth and sports matters in Bangladesh’s interim government.
“It is vital to consider the implications of not participating against the significant risk of forcing players, fans, and journalists into a hazardous political climate in the region.
“This is a governmental decision since the state is tasked with assessing whether its citizens face security threats abroad.”
