The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is still awaiting an official response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding its formal request to relocate its matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup away from India, president Aminul Islam Bulbul confirmed on Friday. The board's position, rooted in security apprehensions, remains firm, with Bulbul stating that simply moving games to another Indian city does not address their core concerns.
Security Concerns Prompt Venue Change Request
Bangladesh has expressed clear reluctance to tour India for the global tournament, which is scheduled to commence on February 7. The BCB has formally sought to have its group stage matches shifted to the other co-host nation, Sri Lanka. This request follows recent geopolitical tensions and the controversial release of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
"We haven't yet received any reply from the ICC. We have sent all the attachments and proofs of our concern," Bulbul informed journalists. He emphasized that the board has clearly laid out its position to the global governing body.
"Any Alternate Indian Venue is Still India"
Bulbul categorically dismissed the idea of an alternative Indian venue as a solution. "Any alternate Indian venue at the end of the day is an Indian venue. You all know that no unilateral decision can be taken and we have to abide by the government's diktat. We are standing where we had been a few days back," he stated. This underscores the board's view that the security environment in the country, not a specific city, is the primary issue.
Bangladesh is slated to play three of its group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. When asked about media reports suggesting Hyderabad and Chennai as possible replacement venues within India, Bulbul said he was unaware. "I haven't heard about Hyderabad and Chennai being replacement venues. We might come to know maybe on Monday or Tuesday," he added.
Awaiting ICC's Decision and Other Board Matters
The BCB chief said the board would wait for the ICC's communication before deciding its next steps. "I can't comment on what we will do if we aren't allowed to play in Sri Lanka unless the ICC sends its response," Bulbul remarked, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
Separately, Bulbul addressed the recent controversy involving former captain Tamim Iqbal, after a BCB director publicly labeled him a "traitor." Bulbul clarified that this was a personal opinion and that he had sought an explanation from the official involved. "It was the personal opinion of the director and I have asked him to give clarification. Tamim has achieved so much and he should have kept that in mind while putting his opinion in public," he said.
Reflecting on the team's chances, Bulbul expressed confidence in Bangladesh's ability to perform well in the tournament, especially in sub-continental conditions. "I believe Bangladesh is a big team in world cricket. We have played the quarterfinals of the 2015 ODI World Cup, we played the Champions Trophy semifinals and in sub-continental conditions we have a good chance of doing well," he asserted.
