The Bangladesh Cricket Board's frantic eleventh-hour effort to prevent their team's expulsion from the upcoming T20 World Cup has been decisively rejected by the International Cricket Council. On Friday, the ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee struck down BCB's appeal, which challenged the global governing body's refusal to relocate Bangladesh's matches from India to Sri Lanka.
Legal Grounds for Rejection
TOI has learned that the appeal, directed by government adviser to the sports ministry Asif Nazrul, was dismissed on clear legal grounds. The DRC is not constituted to entertain appeals against decisions made by the ICC board itself. According to the committee's terms of reference, "It shall not operate as an appeal body against decisions of the ICC or any decision making body established under the ICC's Memorandum and Articles of Association."
Communication Breakdown and Security Concerns
Despite being given a 24-hour window on Wednesday to formally communicate their final decision, BCB failed to submit official correspondence to the ICC regarding their refusal to play in India. Instead, Nazrul and BCB president Aminul Islam announced their position through a media briefing on Thursday, citing security concerns for players and fans following BCCI's move to exclude seamer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL.
Both officials maintained they would continue fighting to have Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches moved to Sri Lanka. Their appeal referenced the ICC's previous arrangement between BCCI and Pakistan Cricket Board where teams avoid traveling to each other's countries.
ICC's Firm Stance and Replacement Process
The ICC has reportedly initiated the process of replacing the Bangladesh team with Scotland, with official confirmation expected over the weekend. ICC chairman Jay Shah was present at the Dubai headquarters on Saturday as the situation unfolded.
Precedent Concerns and Board Relations
The global cricket body has maintained that acquiescing to BCB's demands would establish a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining the sanctity and neutrality of future ICC tournaments. Sources indicate that BCB's handling of the entire situation has not been well-received by ICC members, particularly their decision to announce positions through media briefings rather than formal diplomatic channels.
This development leaves Bangladesh's participation in the prestigious T20 World Cup hanging by a thread, with their replacement already being prepared as the tournament approaches next month.
