The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Friday said it is still waiting for a response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding its concerns over playing matches in India during the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on February 7.
BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul reiterated that the board’s position remains unchanged and that Bangladesh is reluctant to tour India for the tournament, citing security concerns. The BCB has formally requested that its matches be shifted to co-host Sri Lanka instead.
“We haven’t yet received any reply from the ICC. We have sent all the attachments and proofs of our concern,” Bulbul told reporters.
BCB Rejects Alternate Indian Venues
Bulbul made it clear that relocating matches to another city within India would not address Bangladesh’s concerns.
“Any alternate Indian venue, at the end of the day, is an Indian venue. You all know that no unilateral decision can be taken, and we have to abide by the government’s diktat. We are standing where we had been a few days back,” he said.
The BCB chief added that the board would wait for the ICC’s response before taking any further steps.
“I can’t comment on what we will do if we aren’t allowed to play in Sri Lanka unless the ICC sends its response,” he said.
Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play three group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Bulbul also said he was unaware of reports suggesting Hyderabad or Chennai as possible replacement venues within India.
“I haven’t heard about Hyderabad and Chennai being replacement venues. We might come to know maybe on Monday or Tuesday,” he added.
Background: IPL Release and Rising Tensions
The BCB’s apprehensions intensified following the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, reportedly on the instructions of the BCCI for unspecified reasons. This development came amid reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, adding to the strained atmosphere.
Confidence in Team Despite Uncertainty
Despite the uncertainty surrounding venues, Bulbul expressed confidence in the national team’s ability to perform well in the tournament.
“I believe Bangladesh is a big team in world cricket. We played the quarterfinals of the 2015 ODI World Cup, the Champions Trophy semifinals, and in sub-continental conditions we have a good chance of doing well,” he said.
Tamim Iqbal Controversy Addressed
Commenting on the recent controversy involving former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, Bulbul said a BCB director’s remark labelling the senior cricketer a “traitor” was a personal opinion.
“It was the personal opinion of the director, and I have asked him to give clarification. Tamim has achieved so much, and he should have kept that in mind while putting his opinion in public,” Bulbul said.
A ‘Learning Phase’ for the Board
Reflecting on his tenure, Bulbul described the current phase as an important learning experience for the BCB.
“It’s a learning experience for 25 board directors. It’s a mix of ups and downs. But the country comes first,” he concluded.