JOHANNESBURG: Amidst multiple reports of International Cricket Council (ICC) asking Bangladesh to play in India or forfeit the points in the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has said that the global cricketing body has conveyed it's willingness to work closely and address the concerns.
BCB went on to say that ICC has not given any ultimatum to them. “In its communication, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament. The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the Board’s inputs will be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event,” the statement read.
This comes after a late virtual meeting on Tuesday evening between the global body and the BCB where the subcontinental nation has raised “security concerns” after declining to travel to India for the global event. Over the last few days, things have escalated quickly following the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League. Kolkata Knight Riders had signed the pacer for Rs 9.2 crores and soon their owner and Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan came under criticism from some corners of the political parties and on social media. Following that BCCI told the franchise to release the seamer.
While the BCCI and the ICC have remained silent on the issue, the global body and the BCB are expected to engage continually through the week before a final decision is made in the coming days. With less than a month to go for the T20 World Cup, the sooner it gets resolved the better it will be not just for the smooth conduct of the tournament but also for the teams and fans who will have to plan their travel arrangements. Bangladesh, as things stand, are scheduled to play three games in Kolkata and one in Mumbai during the group stages.