BCB Clings to Hope as T20 World Cup Decisions Reach Critical Stage

In a recent ICC board meeting, Bangladesh’s request to change the T20 World Cup venue was denied categorically. Now, the hopes of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are fading, as the ICC has given them just two days to confirm their decision. The BCB president Aminul Islam, has sought more time to speak to the Bangladesh government, as he is still hoping for some kind of miracle.

"I asked the ICC board for time to talk to my government for one last time. They said it's a valid point, and gave me 24 or 48 hours to get back to them. I don't want to put pressure on the government. We know that India is not secure for us. We remain in the stance that we want to play in Sri Lanka. I know the ICC denied us but we will talk to the government one more time. I will inform the ICC about the government's feedback." said BCB president Aminul Islam.

He further said that Bangladesh players want to participate in the T20 World Cup, but playing in India does not feel safe to them. This is the key reason why Bangladesh’s government is hesitant to move forward with the tour considering all the evolving situations.

"The Bangladesh players want to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh government wants Bangladesh to play in the World Cup. But we don't think India is safe for our players. A government doesn't only consider the players, but they consider all, when it takes a decision." said BCB president Aminul Islam.

In Wednesday’s board meeting, the ICC members voted against Bangladesh’s request to change venues. As a result, it was communicated to the BCB that their team could be replaced by Scotland in Group C if they continued to refuse to tour India. This latest warning from the ICC has put the BCB in a difficult position, and it is now looking to speak with the Bangladesh government one last time before making a final decision.