Bangladesh and India fail to resolve T20 World Cup dispute before ICC deadline

Bangladesh Cricket Board Requests Venue Change for T20 World Cup

The Bangladesh interim government has stated that it will not back down under pressure to play its group-stage fixtures in India despite security concerns. Asif Nazrul, the country’s youth and sports adviser, told the state-run BSS news agency on Tuesday that Bangladesh had “logically requested a change of venue for valid reasons.” The request was made due to safety and security concerns for players.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to rule on the impasse imminently. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has refused to play its four group-stage fixtures in India, citing these concerns. The BCB had asked the ICC to relocate the fixtures to co-hosts Sri Lanka.

A Pakistani official has reportedly expressed support for Bangladesh’s stance, writing to the ICC to consider the ongoing political turmoil in the region before reaching a conclusion. This comes after reports suggested that Pakistan might consider pulling out of the tournament if Bangladesh is ousted from the World Cup.

Bangladesh captain Litton Das expressed uncertainty about his team’s participation in the tournament. “From where I stand, I’m uncertain, everyone is uncertain,” he said. The T20 World Cup begins on February 7, with Bangladesh’s four group matches to be played in Kolkata and Mumbai.

The dispute between Bangladesh and India erupted following top Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations. Diplomatic relations have been sharply tested since August last year, when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to New Delhi from Dhaka after an uprising against her rule.

The ICC has yet to announce a decision on the impasse.

Source: Al Jazeera