Bangladesh Govt Sports Advisor Asserts Independence: 'We cannot be pressured to play in India' for T20 World Cup

Bangladesh Firm on T20 World Cup Venue Demand, Rejects India Option

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains steadfast in their decision not to play their T20 World Cup matches in India, as they continue to push for a change in venue to Sri Lanka.

Despite pressure from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to confirm their participation by January 21, the BCB, led by the government’s sports advisor Asif Nazrul, reiterated that the national team will not travel to India under any circumstances.

Nazrul emphasized that Bangladesh will not succumb to any pressure, particularly from the Indian Cricket Board, and will not accept any unreasonable conditions imposed upon them.

The BCB has been vocal about their preference to play their group stage matches in Sri Lanka and even proposed swapping positions with Ireland in Group B. They argue that logical reasons support their request for a venue change.

The decision to avoid India as a venue for the T20 World Cup stems from security concerns and a desire to uphold national pride, following the abrupt release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL contract at the behest of the BCCI.

While the ICC's risk assessment report did not identify any specific threats to Bangladesh's participation in the tournament, the BCB stands firm on their stance.

Bangladesh hopes to play their group stage matches in Sri Lanka and has proposed adjustments to their group allocation to accommodate this preference.

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