ICC gives Bangladesh 24-hour ultimatum over India travel, T20 World Cup spot at risk
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Clouds of crisis are looming over the Bangladesh cricket team regarding its participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has now taken a tough stand against the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which has been continuously refusing to play in India. In the board meeting held on Wednesday, the ICC has completely rejected Bangladesh's demand to shift the matches to Sri Lanka. Also, the board has been given only 24 hours ultimatum to take a final decision. If Bangladesh does not agree to come to India, it will be shown the way out of the tournament.
If they don't agree, Scotland will get a chance.
According to media reports, the ICC Board meeting on Wednesday saw serious discussions regarding Bangladesh's participation. Most officials present were displeased with Bangladesh's attitude and favored their exclusion. The ICC has issued a clear decision that if the Bangladeshi team wishes to remain in the tournament, they must play in India. If the BCB does not agree within the one-day deadline, Scotland will be included as a replacement based on their current rankings.
IPL controversy and security reasons were cited
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has cited security concerns as the primary reason for not traveling to India. The BCB is upset over the exclusion of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL following BCCI directives. Furthermore, diplomatic relations between the two countries remain strained following attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Citing these reasons, Bangladesh wanted to play its matches at a neutral venue, specifically in Sri Lanka, rather than in India.
The demand to change the group was also rejected
Bangladesh had requested the ICC to relocate their matches scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai to ensure the safety of their players, officials, and fans. Last week, the BCB proposed that they be removed from Group C and placed in Group B in place of Ireland, allowing them to play their matches in Sri Lanka. However, the ICC rejected this request. Earlier, a two-member ICC team had visited Dhaka to assure security arrangements, but the matter did not materialize.
Group-C equation
According to the current schedule, Bangladesh has been placed in Group C, which includes the West Indies, Italy, England, and Nepal. League matches in this group are scheduled to be played in Kolkata and Mumbai. Meanwhile, Group B, the group Bangladesh was seeking to be in, includes Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman, and Zimbabwe, and its matches are scheduled to be played in Colombo and Pallekele. The next 24 hours will prove decisive for the future of Bangladesh cricket.