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Bangladesh Firm on T20 WC Boycott, Will Play in Sri Lanka Despite ICC

Bangladesh's Youth and Sports Adviser, Asif Nazrul, has declared there is "no scope" to reverse the decision not to play their T20 World Cup matches in India, citing security concerns. The team plans to formally propose playing their matches in Sri Lanka instead, challenging the ICC's stance. The International Cricket Council has rejected the request, stating it is not feasible to alter the schedule so close to the tournament without a credible security threat. The impasse highlights a significant dispute between the national board and the sport's global governing body.

Key Points: Bangladesh Refuses to Play T20 World Cup Matches in India

  • Bangladesh refuses to play T20 WC in India
  • Cites security concerns from "real incident"
  • Proposes hybrid model with Sri Lanka
  • ICC says changes not feasible
2 min read

No scope to change our decision: Bangladesh firm on not playing T20 WC in India

Bangladesh sports adviser says no change in decision to boycott India matches, will propose Sri Lanka as venue. ICC insists tournament proceeds as scheduled.

"There is no scope to change our decision. We will go back to the ICC with our plan to play in Sri Lanka. - Asif Nazrul"

New Delhi, Jan 22

After the International Cricket Council confirmed that the Men's T20 World Cup will proceed as scheduled, Bangladesh Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul stated that they did not get justice from the ICC and there is no scope to change their decision of not playing their matches in India.

"There is no scope to change our decision. We will go back to the ICC with our plan to play in Sri Lanka. They did give us a 24-hour ultimatum, but a global body can't really do that. ICC will miss out on 200 million people watching the World Cup. It will be their loss ... ICC is calling Sri Lanka co-hosts. They are not co-hosts. It is a hybrid model. Some of the things I heard in the ICC meeting was shocking," Nazrul said after a meeting with Bangladesh team cricketers and BCB officials in Dhaka.

Bangladesh earlier informed the ICC that they would not travel to India due to security concerns amid deteriorating relations between the two nations and requested that their matches be relocated to Sri Lanka. However, the ICC reiterated on Wednesday that the T20 World Cup will proceed as scheduled, with Bangladesh's matches to be played in India.

The ICC Board noted that it was not feasible to make changes so close to the tournament and that altering the schedule under the circumstances, in the absence of any credible security threat, could set a precedent that would jeopardise the sanctity of future ICC events and undermine its neutrality as a global governing body.

"The security situation in India remains unchanged. Our security concerns did not materialise out of thin air. It stemmed from a real incident," Nazrul added.

Following a meeting on Wednesday, the ICC Board noted that it was not feasible to make changes so close to the tournament and that altering the schedule under the circumstances, in the absence of any credible security threat, could set a precedent that would jeopardise the sanctity of future ICC events and undermine its neutrality as a global governing body.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Delhi, I'm sad to hear this. The atmosphere during a World Cup is incredible. I hope sense prevails and the Bangladeshi team and fans can experience it here safely.
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Rohit P
Honestly, the ICC's stance makes sense logistically. Changing venues last minute for one team sets a bad precedent. But we must also listen to their concerns seriously. Diplomacy is needed, not ultimatums.
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Ananya R
It's a complex situation. While I believe our security is capable, perception matters. The "real incident" they mention has created fear. Maybe a joint security assurance from both governments could help? 🤔
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Karthik V
The statement about 200 million viewers missing out feels like an empty threat. True cricket fans will watch regardless of where it's played. The focus should be on player safety and fair play.
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Priya S
A bit of a mess. The hybrid model for Asia Cup worked. But a World Cup is different. ICC cannot allow every team to pick venues. Hope this gets resolved amicably for the sake of the sport.

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