The International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected Bangladesh’s request to move its T20 World Cup matches out of India.
During a virtual meeting, ICC officials told the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that the schedule and venues would remain unchanged. They warned that refusing to play in India could lead to forfeited points.
Sources confirmed the ICC’s firm stance, though BCB officials said they had not yet received formal communication. The rejection comes amid escalating tensions between the BCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The dispute intensified after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from the Indian Premier League. The BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders to terminate his contract, citing “developments all around.” The move followed political backlash in India over reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh.
In response, the BCB held an emergency meeting and wrote to the ICC, raising concerns about player safety in India. They argued that Pakistan had previously played ICC events under a hybrid model, suggesting similar flexibility should apply.
Bangladesh later banned the broadcast of the upcoming IPL season in the country. BCB director Faruque Ahmed said politics had worsened relations between the two boards, entangling cricket with broader issues.
Meanwhile, Mustafizur quickly joined the Pakistan Super League after leaving the IPL. The ICC’s decision shows little willingness to alter the World Cup schedule, but uncertainty remains as the BCB has not publicly confirmed its next steps.
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