Bangladesh to Collaborate with ICC on T20 World Cup Security Measures

Bangladesh Cricket Board Responds to ICC Concerns Over T20 World Cup Participation

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has issued a statement denying reports that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had issued an ultimatum over the country’s refusal to play its World Cup games in India. The BCB stated that it will work closely with the ICC to address security concerns regarding its team’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

According to the BCB, the ICC has conveyed its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the board to find a solution. The statement also mentioned that the BCB will continue to cooperate with the tournament organizers and relevant authorities to ensure the smooth participation of the team.

The BCB’s decision not to travel to India for the World Cup was reportedly made following a controversy surrounding the dropping of its star fast bowler, Mustafizur Rahman, by his Indian Premier League franchise. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had directed the Kolkata Knight Riders to drop the player.

The ICC and BCB held a virtual meeting on Tuesday to discuss the issue, with the tournament’s opening match just over a month away. According to reports, the ICC told the BCB that Bangladesh would need to travel to India or risk forfeiting points. However, the BCB has denied these claims as “completely false”.

The dispute between Bangladesh and India has been ongoing since August last year, with tensions escalating following a series of incidents, including the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been strained since then.

In response to the controversy, Bangladesh’s interim government had banned the broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL), citing concerns over the treatment of its star player. The BCB has now stated that it will engage with the ICC and relevant authorities in a cooperative manner to find an affable solution for the team’s participation in the World Cup.

Source: Al Jazeera