ICC takes tough stance against BCB’s match relocation request

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to shift Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches from India, insisting the team must play at the scheduled Indian venues to participate in the tournament.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the ICC informed BCB during a virtual meeting on Tuesday (6 January) that the World Cup schedule cannot be changed and matches will not be moved to Sri Lanka. The ICC also warned that failing to play in India could result in points-related consequences, though BCB says it has received no formal notice.

The development followed the situation surrounding Bangladesh’s star pacer Mustafizur Rahman.

However, the ICC responded last night to an email requesting details from the BCB. A BCB director told the media that the board will reply to the ICC today.

The upcoming T20 World Cup will be the first edition featuring 20 teams, divided into four groups of five. Bangladesh have been placed in Group C alongside England, Italy, Nepal and West Indies.

As per the current schedule, Bangladesh will open their campaign on February 7 against West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with the match starting at 3:30pm (Bangladesh time). Their second group match will be against Italy on February 9, beginning at 11:30am.

After a five-day break, Bangladesh will face England in Kolkata on February 14 at 3:30pm, before concluding the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17, with the match scheduled to start at 7:30pm.