Dhaka, Jan 07 (V7N) - The International Cricket Council has dismissed the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s demand to relocate T20 World Cup matches from India due to alleged security risks. According to reports by cricket-focused websites ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz, the ICC has categorically stated that Bangladesh must travel to India to participate in the tournament. Failure to do so would leave the team with no option but to forfeit points or withdraw from the competition altogether.

The issue was discussed during an online meeting between ICC and BCB officials on Tuesday, where the governing body reportedly delivered a firm message. Cricbuzz reported that the ICC does not agree with BCB’s assessment of security concerns in India and has ruled out any possibility of changing venues. However, ESPNcricinfo noted that the BCB has denied receiving any formal ultimatum. While no final decision emerged from the meeting, the ICC has reportedly given the BCB a deadline until Saturday to communicate its final stance.

Neither the ICC nor the BCB has issued an official statement regarding the outcome of the meeting so far.

The standoff reportedly began following the exclusion of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League. Under pressure from political and religious groups in India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur. In response, the Bangladesh government halted IPL broadcasts within the country, and the BCB raised security concerns over playing World Cup matches in India.

With the T20 World Cup now less than a month away, the situation remains unresolved. Bangladesh is scheduled to begin its World Cup campaign on February 7 with a match against the West Indies in Kolkata. Group-stage matches against England and Italy are also slated for Kolkata, with the final group match scheduled in Mumbai.

As the ICC maintains its hardline position, all eyes are now on the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s next move and whether it will comply with the tournament schedule or take a drastic decision ahead of the global event.

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