KEY POINTS
- BCB refuses to send Bangladesh team to India for T20 World Cup.
- BCB’s detailed letter to ICC presents government policy and evidence, putting the tournament’s logistics in jeopardy.
ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has escalated its concerns regarding its national team’s potential travel to India for an upcoming World Cup, sending a detailed letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
According to sources familiar with the matter, the BCB has comprehensively responded to all ICC queries, providing evidence to support its firm position.
The letter reportedly outlines significant security and logistical hurdles, extending concerns beyond the players to include media personnel, traveling fans, and other stakeholders.
A major point of contention highlighted is the issue of securing visas for the Bangladesh contingent.
Government policy and recent threats
In its communication, the Bangladesh Cricket Board is said to have included the official stance of the Bangladesh government, supported by documented evidence.
The board reiterated deep-seated security concerns and explicitly restated the government’s policy opposing the team’s travel to India under current circumstances.
This formal stance follows a recent flashpoint involving Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman.
Just days ago, Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Rahman from their squad following reported threats from extremists in India and a subsequent directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The BCB pointed to this incident as a clear indicator of safety risks, publicly stating that “India is not safe” and that the national team “would not travel there under any circumstances.”
Tournament logistics in jeopardy
The Bangladesh government has consistently backed the cricket board’s position, maintaining that due to unresolved security concerns, the national team will not participate in any World Cup matches scheduled in India.
This firm stance from both the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the government presents a significant logistical challenge for the ICC, potentially forcing a revision of the tournament’s fixture list and venues.
The ball is now in the ICC’s court to review the Bangladesh Cricket Bords’s evidence and address the serious concerns raised, as the clock ticks down toward the global tournament.
