ICC Team to Hold Talks in Bangladesh Over T20 World Cup Participation
A delegation from the International Cricket Council will travel to Bangladesh soon. They plan to hold face-to-face discussions about Bangladesh's role in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka starting February 7.
Bangladesh Maintains Firm Stance on Venue Issue
This development occurs during an ongoing standoff. Both the Bangladesh sports ministry and the Bangladesh Cricket Board maintain a firm position. They state clearly that the national team will not travel to India for the event. The team will only play their matches in Sri Lanka.
Sports adviser Asif Nazrul confirmed the proposed ICC visit. He briefed the media at the Foreign Service Academy on Thursday. Nazrul made it clear that Bangladesh wants to participate in the global tournament. However, he emphasized there will be no compromise on the venue matter.
"According to the latest updates, Mr. Aminul Islam informed me that an ICC team is likely to come to Bangladesh for discussions," Nazrul said. "There is no chance of us changing our stance. We are eager to play in the World Cup, particularly in Sri Lanka, and I strongly believe that organising this is not impossible."
Discussions Continue as Schedule Remains Unfinalized
A BCB official also confirmed the likelihood of talks. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to a Daily Star report. The official said discussions are ongoing and a delegation is set to arrive. However, the exact date for the visit has not been determined yet.
"We are in discussions, and a delegation is set to arrive, but the exact date has not been determined," the official stated. "We are in communication, but the time is not fixed."
Security Concerns Drive Bangladesh's Position
The issue started simmering last week. BCB leadership held a video conference with the ICC. During that meeting, the board reiterated its refusal to send the team to India. They cited security concerns as the primary reason. The BCB formally requested that Bangladesh's matches move to co-host Sri Lanka.
The ICC noted that the tournament itinerary was already announced. They asked the BCB to reconsider its position. In a statement after the meeting, the BCB said they reaffirmed their stance. They will not travel to India due to security worries. The board also repeated its request for the ICC to relocate matches outside India.
The statement added that both sides agreed to continue dialogue. They want to explore possible solutions. The BCB stressed its commitment to safeguarding players, officials, and staff.
Political Tensions Influence Cricket Decisions
Bangladesh's participation came under doubt following heightened political tensions. Relations between Bangladesh and India grew strained. The situation worsened when the BCCI directed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.
Since that incident, sports adviser Nazrul has repeatedly stated Bangladesh's position. The country is not prepared to travel to India for the World Cup. BCB vice-president Shakhawat Hossain echoed that view after the ICC meeting.
"We are firm in the position we have taken. We will not change our stance even by an inch. We are not going to India," Hossain said. "We have stated our position and they are looking for alternatives. The path for discussion is still open."
The upcoming ICC visit represents a critical step. It aims to resolve the venue dispute before the T20 World Cup begins. Both cricket boards hope to find a workable solution that ensures Bangladesh's participation while addressing their security concerns.
