The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will approach the country’s caretaker government in a last-ditch bid to secure the team’s participation in next month’s Twenty20 World Cup after its request to move its matches outside India was rejected on Wednesday.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) board has dismissed Bangladesh’s concerns over the safety and security of its players and fans in India, citing political tensions between the South Asian neighbors.
With their request to play their matches in Sri Lanka rejected by football’s world governing body, Bangladesh are left with the difficult choice of withdrawing their request or being replaced by another team in the global competition which begins on February 7.
“I have asked the ICC board for time to speak to my government one last time,” BCB President Aminul Islam told reporters after learning of the ICC decision.
“They said it was a valid point and gave me 24 or 48 hours to respond to them.”
“We know that India is not safe for us. We remain in the position that we want to play in Sri Lanka. I know the ICC has refused us, but we will speak to the government once again. I will inform the ICC of the government’s comments.”
Aware of the potential backlash that would follow any U-turn on playing in India, Aminul said the players were eager to participate in the World Cup.
“I hope for a miracle from the ICC. Who doesn’t want to participate in the World Cup?” he said.
“Bangladeshi players want to play in the World Cup. The Bangladesh government wants Bangladesh to play in the World Cup. But we don’t think India is a safe country for our players.”
Political relations have deteriorated between the neighbors in recent times and cricket has also been affected.
Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out of this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) despite signing with his Kolkata franchise.
Bangladesh responded by banning IPL broadcasts in the country and demanding that its World Cup matches be played in Sri Lanka.
