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As the T20 World Cup approaches, tensions are rising between the Bangladesh government and the International Cricket Council (ICC). The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced it will not send its team to India for the tournament, citing safety and security concerns for its players. The BCB insists on relocating matches to Sri Lanka, despite the ICC’s refusal to adjust the schedule.
BCB President Aminul Islam expressed the board’s position after a meeting with players and government officials in Dhaka. “We will approach the ICC again to propose our plan for playing matches in Sri Lanka,” he stated, underscoring the board’s commitment to protecting its players. This announcement follows an ICC warning that failure to comply could lead to Bangladesh being replaced by Scotland in their group.
ICC’s ultimatum and Bangladesh’s response
The ICC set a 24-hour ultimatum for the BCB to reconsider its position, threatening expulsion from the tournament. However, BCB officials dismissed this threat, asserting that a global organization cannot impose such demands. President Islam emphasized, “We want to compete in the World Cup, but we will not play in India. Our fight continues to ensure the safety of our players.” He also noted the potential loss for the ICC if Bangladesh were excluded, estimating that around 200 million viewers would miss the tournament.
Bangladesh’s first match is scheduled for February 7 against the West Indies at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, followed by two more group matches at the same venue before concluding their group stage against Nepal in Mumbai. Despite the looming deadline, the BCB remains resolute in its refusal to participate in India, citing the recent removal of star bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a significant factor in their decision.
Security assessments and political tensions
The ICC argues that extensive security assessments indicate no credible threat to the Bangladesh team in India. They have provided detailed security plans and assurances from local authorities, stating that all reports confirm the safety of players, officials, and fans. However, the BCB continues to link its participation to the specific incident involving Rahman, viewing it as indicative of broader security issues.
Asif Nazrul, an advisor in the interim Bangladeshi government, expressed dissatisfaction with the ICC’s response, asserting that their concerns have not been adequately addressed. “We are hopeful that the ICC will allow us to play in Sri Lanka. Our government has made it clear that we will not go to India,” he stated. The cricketing relationship between Bangladesh and India has been strained, particularly after last year’s political upheaval in Bangladesh, which saw former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina flee to India.
Upcoming challenges for Bangladesh
With the T20 World Cup imminent, uncertainty looms over the Bangladeshi squad. Captain Litton Das voiced his apprehension, stating that both he and his teammates feel uncertain about their participation. “Everyone is unsure about what will happen next. Are we sure we will play in the World Cup?” His remarks reflect a broader sense of unease within the squad and the nation regarding current diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The strained ties between Bangladesh and India have been exacerbated by various political factors, including criticisms directed at India’s treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. These issues have further complicated the situation, leading to fears within the Bangladeshi camp about safety during the tournament. The upcoming World Cup also coincides with Bangladesh’s first elections since the recent political turmoil, adding another layer of complexity to the scenario.
As the countdown to the T20 World Cup continues, the BCB remains steadfast in its demand for a venue change. The question of whether Bangladesh will participate in the tournament hangs in the balance as both sides navigate this challenging diplomatic landscape.