Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials held direct talks with International Cricket Council (ICC) representatives on Bangladesh's participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, with discussions also touching on the possibility of a group change to minimise logistical complications. No final decision was reached following the meeting, the BCB said on Saturday.
The talks come amid an ongoing standoff after Bangladesh raised security concerns about travelling to India for the tournament, citing safety issues following the omission of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League. The BCB subsequently informed the ICC that it was unwilling to play its World Cup matches in India and formally requested a venue change.
The BCB formally wrote to the ICC on January 4 expressing concerns over player safety, following the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) authorising Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad, without providing a specific reason. BCCI's move to exclude Mustafizur Rahman from IPL sparked strong objection by BCB and it decided not to send Bangladesh team to India.
After weeks of correspondence and virtual meetings, an ICC delegation travelled to Dhaka for face-to-face discussions.
According to the BCB, the ICC was represented by Gaurav Saxena, General Manager of Events and Corporate Communications, and Andrew Ffregave, General Manager of the Integrity Unit. Saxena joined the meeting virtually after receiving his visa later than expected, while Ffregave attended in person.
In a media release, the BCB said it reiterated its formal request to move Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka. The board also conveyed the concerns and views of the Bangladesh government regarding the safety and security of players, Bangladeshi supporters, media personnel and other stakeholders.
"The meeting was conducted in a highly constructive, cordial and professional environment, where all parties engaged in open and transparent discussions," the BCB said. "Among other matters, the possibility of transferring Bangladesh to another group, with the aim of resolving the issue while keeping logistical complexities to a minimum, was also discussed."
The ICC has yet to publicly respond on whether it would consider altering the tournament's group structure or venues. Any such changes would require careful coordination given the tight schedule and commercial commitments surrounding the World Cup.
BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul led the Bangladesh delegation at the meeting, alongside vice-presidents Md Sakhawat Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Cricket Operations Committee chairman Nazmul Abedeen and chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury.
The BCB said both sides agreed to continue constructive dialogue in the coming days as they seek a resolution to the impasse. Until a decision is reached, uncertainty remains over Bangladesh's participation and the venues for its matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
