ICC did not set any deadline: BCB

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has dismissed reports published in international media claiming that the International Cricket Council (ICC) set a Wednesday deadline for a final decision on Bangladesh’s participation in the World Cup.

Speaking to reporters in Mirpur on Monday, BCB Director and Media Committee Chairman Amzad Hossain said no specific date or deadline was discussed in recent meetings between the ICC and BCB.

A recent report by cricket website ESPNcricinfo claimed that the ICC had given BCB until Wednesday to make a final decision on whether Bangladesh would participate in the World Cup, particularly regarding playing in India.

Amzad Hossain directly rejected the claim, stating that an ICC representative visited Dhaka last Saturday and met with the BCB delegation, where Bangladesh clearly stated its inability to play in India and requested an alternative venue.

He added that the ICC representative said the matter would be conveyed to the ICC and a decision would be communicated later, without mentioning any specific date.

Two meetings have been held between the ICC and BCB after Bangladesh expressed its unwillingness to play in India—one via video conference last Wednesday and another in person on Saturday.

In both meetings, BCB maintained its stance, while the ICC stated it would not alter the scheduled fixtures.

BCB’s post-meeting press release mentioned discussions on a possible group change for Bangladesh. However, ESPNcricinfo claimed the proposal came from BCB and involved swapping Bangladesh in Group C with Ireland in Group B, which the ICC rejected. The ICC’s refusal was not mentioned in BCB’s release.

Meanwhile, an independent security agency appointed by the ICC reported that India’s overall security risk level ranges from medium to high, though no specific threats to touring teams were identified.

Despite ICC assurances regarding security in India, ESPNcricinfo reported that the ICC is awaiting BCB’s final decision and may include Scotland as a replacement based on rankings if Bangladesh withdraws.

However, Amzad Hossain said the situation has not reached that stage, stating, “BCB’s back is not yet against the wall.”