Bangladesh has reaffirmed its position of not participating in the T20 World Cup in India, reiterating its intention to request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift their matches to Sri Lanka. This decision follows a meeting in Dhaka, where officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), players, and government representatives convened to address the upcoming tournament.
BCB President Aminul Islam expressed the organization’s commitment to this plan, stating that they will formally approach the ICC once again. This announcement comes in the context of warnings from the ICC, which suggested that failure to comply could result in Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament, potentially allowing Scotland to replace the team in Group C.
The ICC has urged the BCB to reassess its stance in consultation with the Bangladeshi government, setting a 24-hour deadline for a response before a final decision is made. Islam highlighted that while the ICC issued this ultimatum, the authority of a global body such as the ICC is not absolute, and emphasized Bangladesh’s determination to advocate for its interests.
He noted the potential loss the ICC could face should Bangladesh be expelled from the T20 World Cup, highlighting the vast audience of over 200 million viewers that the ICC would miss out on if the team were not able to share their competitive spirit with the world.
The schedule indicates that Bangladesh is set to play on February 7 against the West Indies. They also have two additional group-stage matches in Kolkata before concluding their group play in Mumbai against Nepal. However, due to safety and security concerns, the BCB has resolved not to send its players to India.
This decision follows the unexpected removal of star bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League, a move believed to be linked to ongoing political tensions between Bangladesh and India. In response, the ICC shared comprehensive security assessments and venue plans with the BCB, concluding that there are no credible threats against the Bangladesh team. However, the BCB has maintained its position, linking its decision to past incidents concerning player safety.
Asif Nazrul, serving as the youth and sports adviser within Bangladesh’s interim government, has dismissed ICC’s reassurances as inadequate, asserting that the concerns for the players’ safety have not been properly acknowledged. Nazrul noted that the Indian government has not communicated to alleviate these concerns, reinforcing the government’s decision not to participate in the tournament on Indian soil.
Concerns have been voiced by Bangladesh’s captain Litton Das regarding the uncertainty surrounding his team’s involvement in the World Cup. The political landscape has shifted dramatically since the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with Bangladesh blaming India for various disputes, particularly during her tenure.
As tensions between the two nations continue, the upcoming World Cup also coincides with Bangladesh’s first elections since Hasina’s departure. The outcome and the decisions made amid this sporting event could further impact the already delicate diplomatic relations.
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