Bangladesh’s Venue Request Puts ICC in a Delicate Position

ICC has not announced a final decision.

The global cricket community continues to closely follow developments surrounding the proposed change of venue for Bangladesh’s matches in the T20 World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally communicated with the International Cricket Council (ICC) on two occasions regarding the issue. As of now, the ICC has not announced a final decision.

According to a report by Indian news outlet NDTV, ICC Chairman Jay Shah is expected to meet officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday, January 11, to discuss the matter. The meeting is likely to take place on the sidelines of the first ODI between India and New Zealand at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, which Jay Shah is scheduled to attend as an invited guest.

The situation arose after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was withdrawn from the Indian Premier League following instructions from the BCCI. In compliance with the directive, IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released the player. Subsequently, Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul stated in a Facebook post that he had asked the BCB to approach the ICC with a request to consider relocating Bangladesh’s World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. The BCB then formally submitted its initial request to the ICC via email.

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In response, the ICC sought clarification on the specific concerns raised by the BCB. The board later followed up with a second email, attaching video materials and links to news reports to support its position. The BCB has expressed concerns about the prevailing situation in India and believes that, under current circumstances, playing World Cup matches there may pose security challenges for the Bangladesh team.

NDTV reports that the ICC Chairman now faces the task of assessing Bangladesh’s concerns, including whether the board felt insufficiently reassured by earlier communications. The ICC is also expected to review whether its previous responses adequately addressed Bangladesh’s concerns in both substance and tone.

The report further notes that reaching a resolution on the venue issue may prove challenging. The ICC will need to present a proposal that is acceptable to the BCB, which has maintained its position on not sending the team to India at this stage. At the same time, discussions will need to be handled carefully to ensure that the BCB does not perceive any outcome as being imposed.

NDTV has also stated that Bangladesh’s participation in the World Cup is not in question, as the team has qualified for the tournament on merit. Excluding Bangladesh at such a late stage would require approval through ICC board processes and could create additional complications, including potential implications for the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

The broader impact of regional tensions has previously led to the adoption of hybrid models for ICC and ACC events, and further complexities could arise if similar issues emerge again.

According to the report, the BCB is now seeking comprehensive security assurances, including individual or “man-to-man” security for players, coaching staff, and officials. Bangladesh’s position, as conveyed, is that the issue involves not only security considerations but also matters of professional respect. The ICC and its chairman are therefore faced with the challenge of finding a solution that addresses these concerns.

Jay Shah, the current ICC Chairman, previously served as the BCCI Secretary and is the son of India’s Home Minister Amit Shah. He has been a prominent figure in Indian cricket administration for several years.

crifosports/11January26/AZ