After their request to move their matches outside of India was turned down on Wednesday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will make a last-ditch effort to ensure the team’s participation in the Twenty20 World Cup next month by speaking with the country’s interim government.
Citing political tensions between the South Asian neighbors, the International Cricket Council (ICC) board dismissed Bangladesh’s worries on the safety and security of their players and supporters in India.
Bangladesh’s bids to play their games in Sri Lanka were rejected by the world governing body of the sport, leaving them with the challenging choice of either renouncing their request or having another team compete in the marquee event, which starts on February 7.
“I asked the ICC board for time to talk to my government for one last time. They said it’s a valid point and gave me 24 or 48 hours to get back to them,” Reuters quoted BCB president Aminul Islam telling reporters after learning of the ICC decision.
“We know that India is not secure for us. We remain in the stance that we want to play in Sri Lanka. I know the ICC denied us, but we will talk to the government one more time. I will inform the ICC about the government’s feedback.”
Aminul stated that the players were eager to participate in the World Cup while being aware of the possible criticism that would follow any change of heart regarding playing in India.
“I am hoping for a miracle from the ICC. Who doesn’t want to play in the World Cup? Bangladesh players want to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh government wants Bangladesh to play the World Cup. But we don’t think India is safe for our players,” he said.
Political ties between India and Bangladesh have recently deteriorated, which has also had an impact on cricket. Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team, on the directions of the Indian cricket board (BCCI).
In response, Bangladesh demanded to play their T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka and banned the broadcast of IPL in their country.
