Bangladesh remains steadfast on venue demand for T20 World Cup despite latest round of talks with ICC

The deadlock between the International Cricket Council and Bangladesh Cricket Board over the upcoming T20 World Cup continues with the latter refusing to budge from its original stance of not traveling to India for the mega event. This despite a video conference on Tuesday between the Dubai-based governing body and the Bangladeshi board.

In a release shared shortly after the meeting, the BCB clarified that it reaffirmed its position on the T20 World Cup in the meeting that was attended by president Aminul Islam Bulbul as well as other top officials including vice presidents Md Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed.

Not only does Bangladesh continue to express concern over the Litton Das-led squad’s safety and security in India, it remains steadfast in its demand to have its Group C fixtures moved out of the neighbouring country.

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“During the discussions, the BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns. The Board also reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh’s matches outside India,” read the BCB statement.

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The release, however, also hinted at the fact that the ICC, currently led by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, isn’t likely to give in to Bangladesh’s request either. According to the latest reports, the governing body has not found any credible threat to the Bangladeshi team in India as per assessments carried out by security experts ahead of the tournament.

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“While the ICC highlighted that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested the BCB to reconsider its stance, the Board’s position remains unchanged. Both parties agreed that discussions will continue to explore possible solutions.

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“The BCB remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of its players, officials and staff while engaging constructively with the ICC to address the matter,” the statement added.

While the ICC is yet to accept BCB’s demand of moving Bangladesh’s games out of India, they have offered Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram as alternate venues. The Bangla Tigers currently play three of their four Group C fixtures at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens and one at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

The T20 World Cup takes place from 7 February to 8 March and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan, meanwhile, will be playing all of their matches in Sri Lanka as per a ‘Hybrid Model’ agreement between the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Pakistan Cricket Board that ensures that the Indian and Pakistani teams do not travel to each other’s countries and play at a neutral venue.