KEY POINTS
- Snub complicates critical talks on venue changes
- Bangladesh has already refused to play in India over security issues
- Move poses major logistical hurdle for ICC’s T20 World Cup preparations
DHAKA, Bangladesh: In a move highlighting simmering diplomatic and security tensions, Bangladesh has refused entry to an Indian official who was part of a crucial International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation.
The team was scheduled to visit Dhaka to discuss venue preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
A two-member ICC delegation was due to arrive in Bangladesh for high-level talks.
The group included Andrew Ephgrave, the ICC’s Head of Anti-Corruption and Security, and a senior executive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
However, Bangladeshi authorities issued a visa only to Ephgrave, explicitly denying one to the Indian official.
Ephgrave is expected to proceed with a two-day visit starting today (Jan 17).
World Cup venue changes
The primary purpose of the delegation’s visit was to discuss potential changes to the tournament’s venue lineup.
This meeting comes against a tense backdrop, as Bangladesh has already announced it will not travel to India for the World Cup due to unresolved security concerns.
Security stance
While Bangladesh has not publicly specified the reason for the visa denial, the action is widely perceived as a direct consequence of its firm security stance regarding the tournament.
By blocking the Indian official’s visit, Bangladesh has underscored its position and complicated the ICC’s logistical planning for the global event.
With the delegation now truncated, talks led solely by Andrew Ephgrave will proceed under a cloud of diplomatic unease.
The outcome of these discussions is critical, as the ICC seeks to finalize a viable and secure host arrangement for all participating teams.
The incident marks a significant stumbling block in the preparations for one of cricket’s premier tournaments.
