BCB seeks ICC dispute resolution committee intervention

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains firm on its decision not to play in India for the T20 World Cup. Although its request to change the venue was rejected at the ICC board meeting, the country’s cricket regulator has not changed its stance. As a final legal step, BCB has now sought the intervention of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) independent Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC).

According to Indian media outlet The Times of India, BCB has sent a formal letter to ICC requesting the matter be referred to the DRC. The letter reiterates the demand that Bangladesh’s matches be held outside India, preferably in Sri Lanka.

The ICC Dispute Resolution Committee is an independent arbitration body composed of experienced and impartial lawyers. It resolves complex disputes between ICC, member boards, players and officials. Typically, if internal ICC discussions fail to resolve an issue, the DRC is approached as a final recourse. BCB hopes the committee will consider their security concerns impartially and deliver a fair decision.

Earlier, at the ICC board meeting on Wednesday, BCB’s request to change the venue was rejected by 14 votes to 2. ICC also gave BCB 24 hours to discuss with the government whether the Bangladesh team will play in India and report back with a final decision.

Despite ICC’s position, BCB remains steadfast. On Thursday, BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul said they will continue their efforts to ensure Bangladesh’s participation in the World Cup and to play at a neutral venue.