The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued an important warning to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB): participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India or potentially forfeit points. This announcement was made during a virtual meeting held on Tuesday, where the ICC clarified its stance on Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament.
ICC’s Stance on Bangladesh’s Participation
During the conference, the BCB sought to relocate Bangladesh’s matches outside of India, primarily due to security concerns. However, the ICC has rejected this request, insisting that Bangladesh will need to travel to India to compete or face penalties.
BCB’s Response
Interestingly, the BCB has countered the ICC’s claims, stating that no such ultimatum was presented to them. There has also been no formal communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the outcomes of the meeting.
Upcoming T20 World Cup Details
The T20 World Cup is set to take place from February 7 to March 8, with matches hosted in India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh is placed in Group C, with their schedule as follows:
- February 7: vs West Indies (Kolkata)
- February 9: vs Italy (Kolkata)
- February 14: vs England (Kolkata)
- February 17: vs Nepal (Mumbai)
Influence of Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Decision
This situation escalated after the BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. KKR had acquired him during the IPL auction for INR 9.2 crore in December. The BCCI’s secretary, Devajit Saikia, confirmed this decision but did not clarify the reasons behind it.
This led the BCB to address the ICC for reconsideration of the match venues. Interestingly, the IPL Governing Council has not convened to discuss the release of Mustafizur, leaving several questions regarding the decision unanswered.
Conclusion
As the T20 World Cup approaches, the BCB faces a critical decision. The ICC’s warning emphasizes the importance of compliance to avoid penalties, while the developments surrounding Mustafizur Rahman add further complexity to the situation. With just weeks until the tournament, clarity and cooperation among the governing bodies will be essential for a successful event.
