ICC representatives to visit Bangladesh for World Cup talks

The ICC is set to send a delegation to Bangladesh in a fresh attempt to resolve the ongoing deadlock over the country’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup, with Bangladesh maintaining its refusal to play matches in India.

The development was confirmed by Bangladesh’s interim government Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul, who said the information had been conveyed to him directly by BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul.

Bangladesh have been firm in their stance that they will not travel to India for the tournament, citing security concerns. The issue has already involved multiple rounds of email exchanges between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the ICC, followed by a virtual meeting. None of those discussions, however, have succeeded in changing Bangladesh’s position.

Asif Nazrul addressed the matter while speaking at a press briefing on 15 January at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road in Dhaka, where he responded to questions on a range of national issues, including cricket.

“I only know the latest update to this extent,” Asif Nazrul said. “Aminul Islam Sahib has informed me that an ICC team is likely to come to Bangladesh for talks. From our position, there is no scope to move.”

He reiterated that Bangladesh are fully committed to taking part in the T20 World Cup, but not if their matches are held in India. Instead, Bangladesh want their fixtures relocated to Sri Lanka.

“We are extremely keen to play in the World Cup,” he said. “But we want to play in Sri Lanka, and we firmly believe that arranging it there is not impossible.”

The ICC is yet to announce the timing of the proposed visit or the composition of its delegation. Bangladesh’s position remains unchanged as discussions continue, with the outcome expected to have a significant bearing on their participation in the tournament.

NSA