Bangladesh Cricket Board Considers Relocating T20 World Cup Matches

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is considering a significant move to address concerns over player safety during the upcoming T20 World Cup. The board is preparing to send a formal request to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate the matches from India to Sri Lanka. This decision comes in the wake of several developments that have raised security and political concerns for Bangladeshi players.

Political Tensions and Player Safety Concerns

The BCB’s decision follows the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from their Indian Premier League (IPL) squad at the behest of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI issued this directive due to the current political climate and recent events in Bangladesh, which have led to heightened tensions between the two nations.

Reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh have sparked widespread concern, affecting diplomatic relations between the countries. This situation has also impacted the IPL, with KKR and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan facing backlash. The pressure culminated in the BCCI demanding the release of Rahman from the KKR squad.

BCB’s Formal Request to the ICC

According to ESPNCricinfo, the BCB is expected to formally approach the ICC regarding the relocation of matches. The board is particularly concerned about the safety of its players in Kolkata, where the first three T20 World Cup matches are scheduled.

Amzad Hussain, the media committee chairman of the BCB, confirmed the plan to write to the ICC. “We have three matches of the T20 World Cup in Kolkata, so we will write to the ICC regarding what has happened today,” he said.

Sports Adviser’s Concerns

Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh’s sports adviser, has already expressed his concerns about the team’s safety in India. He has urged the BCB to raise the issue with the ICC and requested that the matches be moved to Sri Lanka.

“I have asked the BCB to explain the entire matter to the ICC. The board should inform that if a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India despite being contracted, the entire Bangladeshi cricket team cannot feel safe going to play in the World Cup. I have also instructed the Board to request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka,” he wrote on Facebook.

Nazrul also mentioned that he has asked the country’s information and broadcasting ministry to stop telecasting the IPL in Bangladesh.

Upcoming Fixtures and Possible Changes

Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches are set to take place in Kolkata and Mumbai, with the opening fixture against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on February 7. However, the BCB is now evaluating the feasibility of these locations given the current circumstances.

Interestingly, the BCB recently announced its home season schedule, which includes three ODIs and as many T20Is against India. However, according to the Indian Express, the BCCI is waiting for government approval to tour Bangladesh and will travel to Dhaka once the necessary permissions are obtained.

KKR Releases Rahman

On Saturday, KKR confirmed the release of Rahman from their squad at the BCCI’s orders. The franchise stated that they would be allowed to bring in a replacement player under the BCCI’s guidelines.

Rahman was initially picked up by KKR for INR 9.20 crore in the mini auction after a competitive bidding war with the Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.

Conclusion

The BCB’s potential move to relocate the T20 World Cup matches reflects the growing concerns over player safety and the impact of political tensions on international cricket. As the situation continues to evolve, the ICC and other stakeholders will need to closely monitor developments to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.