Will the ICC Resolve the T20 World Cup Venue Dispute with Bangladesh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The ICC is sending a delegation to Bangladesh to discuss T20 World Cup participation.
- The tournament is set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
- Previous virtual discussions have not resolved the ongoing disputes.
- Bangladesh has taken a strong stance against playing in India.
- Direct negotiations may lead to a resolution between the ICC and BCB.
Dhaka, Jan 16 (NationPress) In an effort to address the ongoing deadlock regarding Bangladesh’s involvement in the upcoming T20 World Cup, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing to send a team to Bangladesh for face-to-face discussions prior to the tournament, which is set to take place in India and Sri Lanka starting from February 7.
Sources within the ICC have confirmed to IANS that this delegation will be arriving shortly for a crucial one-on-one meeting with officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) concerning the T20 World Cup, with an announcement expected post-meeting. The ICC's visit is viewed as a pivotal move, especially after prior attempts to resolve the matter through email and virtual meetings proved unsuccessful.
“The ICC team will head to Bangladesh for discussions with BCB officials regarding the T20 World Cup, and we will announce our decision following that meeting,” ICC sources disclosed to IANS.
This development follows the strong position taken by the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the sports ministry, which has stated that they will not participate in any matches in India, particularly after the BCCI instructed the IPL franchise KKR to drop Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rehman from their roster.
Asif Nazrul, the Youth and Sports Adviser for Bangladesh’s interim government, also updated the media about the impending visit. While addressing attendees at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Nazrul noted, “According to the latest updates, Mr. Aminul Islam has informed me that an ICC team is likely to come to Bangladesh for discussions. Our stance will not change. We are keen on participating in the World Cup, especially in Sri Lanka, and I firmly believe that organizing this is feasible,” as reported by The Daily Star.
The ICC had previously conducted a video conference with the BCB, where they discussed Bangladesh’s role in the global tournament. During this meeting, the BCB reiterated its request to have its matches relocated outside India. Although the ICC indicated that the tournament schedule was finalized and urged the BCB to review its position, the BCB remained steadfast. Both parties agreed to continue discussions to explore a potential resolution.