ICC to persuade Bangladesh to reverse India travel stance for T20 World Cup amid BCCI-BCB dispute: Report

The International Cricket Council has decided to spring into action and play mediator between the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Bangladesh Cricket Board following Mustafizur Rahman's controversial release from the Indian Premier League.

The BCB have reacted strongly to Kolkata Knight Riders releasing Mustafizur from their squad after being advised to do so by the BCCI by revoking the left-arm pacer’s No Objection Certificate for the 19th season of the IPL later this year, besides banning the IPL in the country.

Not only that, they have now refused to travel to India for the T20 World Cup that gets underway next month citing safety and security concerns, throwing ICC’s planning for the upcoming mega event into disarray.

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ICC open to minor changes, will assure Bangladesh of top security in India

According to a report on The Telegraph, the ICC held several internal meetings on Monday in Mumbai as well as at its Dubai headquarters since Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India, and has been in touch with the top brass of both the BCCI and the BCB.

The report also quotes sources claiming that the BCB has sought time from the governing body for the sport at the global level and will respond only after consulting the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

Also Read | BCB president breaks silence on Bangladesh refusing to travel to India for T20 World Cup

The ICC, currently led by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, is open to making minor changes in Bangladesh’s schedule and has assured the Bangla Tigers of the highest possible security in India if they reverse their travel boycott.

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“ICC will try to coax and convince Bangladesh to play in India. It’s not just about the two teams, it also involves the spectators and fans, broadcasters, travelling media,” an ICC source was quoted by the newspaper as saying.

While the ICC will likely cite the example of the 2023 ICC World Cup – when Pakistan traveled to India despite diplomatic tensions between the two nations – it is also keeping an alternative plan ready in case Bangladesh refuse to budge from their stance.

Also Read | Will Bangladesh's refusal to travel to India for T20 World Cup affect ICC and BCCI financially?

They will also have to make alternate plans in case the Litton Das-led side make it to the Super Eights, the second round of the tournament which will comprise the top two teams from each group.

Bangladesh are placed in Group C alongside two-time champions England and West Indies as well as Nepal and debutants Italy. They play three of their four group-stage matches at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens and face Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.