Board Reiterates Security Stance in Fresh Letter to Governing Body
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally reaffirmed its refusal to participate in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches scheduled in India, escalating the dispute by requesting the International Cricket Council refer the matter to an independent dispute resolution committee. This development follows the ICC’s recent rejection of Bangladesh’s initial demand to relocate their matches outside India.
Consistent Position on Security Concerns
In a fresh communication to the ICC, the BCB emphasized that Bangladesh has “consistently maintained its position not to play any matches in India.” The board cited unresolved security concerns as the primary reason, stating it would not send its national team to the neighboring country for the tournament scheduled next month.
BCB President Aminul Islam acknowledged the ICC’s decision to maintain the original tournament schedule but revealed he had requested additional time for final government consultations. “They [ICC] said it’s a valid point, and gave me 24 or 48 hours to get back to them,” Islam stated. “We know that India is not secure for us. We remain in the stance that we want to play in Sri Lanka.”
Government Consultation and Player Safety
Islam confirmed he would convey the Bangladeshi government’s final position to the ICC following these consultations. While expressing hope for a “miracle” from the cricket governing body, he underscored that player safety remains non-negotiable. “Players and the government wanted Bangladesh to play the World Cup,” he said. “But we don’t think India is safe for our players. A government doesn’t only consider the players, but they consider all, when it takes a decision.”
The dispute now moves to a critical phase as the ICC considers Bangladesh’s request for independent arbitration, potentially affecting the tournament’s group stage arrangements with less than a month remaining before the event’s scheduled start.
