- Bangladesh are scheduled to play their four group matches in India.
- BCB asks ICC to consider relocation of Bangladesh matches.
- ICC requests BCB to reconsider the request as the itinerary has already been announced.
The Bangladesh cricket board said on Tuesday it had reiterated its refusal to travel to India for next month’s T20 World Cup during talks with the ICC governing body.
With ties between the two countries strained, Bangladesh wants the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move the World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.
The World Cup starts on February 7 and Bangladesh are scheduled to play their four group matches in India.
The controversy erupted on January 3 when India forced Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman out of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Mustafizur, who has played in the IPL for other teams in previous editions, was auctioned in December by Kolkata Knight Riders for over $1 million.
His dismissal sparked outrage in Dhaka.
On Tuesday, during a conference call with the ICC, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said it had “reiterated its request for the ICC to consider moving Bangladesh’s matches outside India”.
Political relations between India and Bangladesh deteriorated after a mass uprising in Dhaka in 2024 toppled then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi.
India’s foreign ministry last month condemned what it called “incessant hostility against minorities” in Muslim-majority Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, accused India of exaggerating the extent of the violence.
“BCB has confirmed its position on the decision not to travel to India citing security concerns,” BCB said in a statement.
“While the ICC has emphasized that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and has asked the BCB to reconsider its stance, the Board’s position remains unchanged.”
The ICC has not commented.
The BCB said discussions with the ICC were continuing to “explore possible solutions”, adding that it “remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of its players, officials and staff”.
Bangladesh, led by Litton Das, are ranked ninth in the ICC T20 rankings.
They have played in all nine editions of the tournament but have never qualified for the semi-finals.
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