ICC rejects Bangladesh’s demand, warns of points deduction if T20 World Cup matches are not played in India

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Bangladesh’s request to change venues for the T20 World Cup and has made it clear that the team must travel to India to play its matches. The ICC warned that failure to do so could result in a deduction of points.

According to sources, during a virtual meeting, the ICC informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that its request to play matches outside India citing security concerns cannot be accepted. The ICC stated that Bangladesh is required to participate in the T20 World Cup in India, and non-compliance may lead to loss of points. However, BCB sources claim they have not yet received any official communication confirming the rejection.

The issue intensified recently after IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman following directions from the BCCI. The decision reportedly came amid domestic protests in India over allegations of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, with objections raised against Rahman’s high-value IPL contract.

After Rahman’s release, the matter escalated further, with the Bangladesh government also stepping in. Bangladesh even threatened to boycott the T20 World Cup scheduled to begin in India on February 7. In a letter sent to the ICC, the BCB said it would not play matches in India and demanded that its fixtures be shifted to Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh argued that the move was necessary for player safety. Amid the tensions, the country also temporarily stopped broadcasting IPL matches. However, the ICC has now clearly stated that Bangladesh must play its T20 World Cup matches in India, leaving no room for a venue change.