The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has issued a strong rebuttal to media reports suggesting the International Cricket Council (ICC) is compelling the national team to play all its upcoming T20 World Cup matches in India. BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul has categorically labeled these claims as false propaganda.
Security Concerns Take Center Stage
Addressing the media in New Delhi on Wednesday after a meeting with Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul and other board directors, Bulbul clarified that the board's primary and non-negotiable focus is the safety and security of its players, staff, and traveling contingent. He emphasized that this concern extends beyond the team to include journalists, sponsors, and fans.
"We first wrote to the ICC regarding the importance of security and safety," Bulbul stated. He explained that any overseas tour requires formal government approval, which is why the BCB is actively seeking guidance from Bangladeshi authorities. "If safety and security do not improve, we will continue to fight for our rights regarding this World Cup," he asserted, adding that such a formal request is unprecedented for the team.
Dismissing Claims of ICC Pressure
Bulbul specifically addressed rumors that the ICC threatened Bangladesh with point deductions if they refused to play in India. He dismissed these reports as misleading. "There is propaganda claiming the ICC informed us that playing in Sri Lanka is impossible, which is false news," he said. Instead, he revealed that the ICC has been in communication and has asked the BCB to formally document its specific concerns, a process the board is currently undertaking.
The BCB president also pointed to historical precedents involving other cricket nations to underline the seriousness of their stance. He referenced instances where India did not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and Pakistan's absence from World Cups in India. "Therefore, we hope for a proper resolution," Bulbul noted, indicating the board is prepared to be firm even if it means compromising on World Cup participation.
ICC Responds, Seeks Dialogue
In a related development, the BCB confirmed on Wednesday that it has received an official response from the ICC. The global governing body has expressed its commitment to ensuring Bangladesh's full participation in the tournament. According to the BCB's statement, the ICC has shown a willingness to work closely with the board to address the raised concerns and has assured that BCB's inputs will be considered in the event's detailed security planning.
This diplomatic exchange follows the BCB's initial request to relocate its T20 World Cup matches from India, a move reportedly influenced by recent security-related incidents, including the early exit of pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The board's firm position highlights the growing significance of player safety and geopolitical considerations in international sports scheduling.
