NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday expressed its satisfaction with the facilities at the iconic Eden Gardens as preparations continue for the Men's T20 World Cup, set to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7.
A joint inspection team from the ICC and the BCCI conducted a thorough review of the stadium, evaluating the playing surface, corporate boxes, and other key amenities to ensure the venue is ready for the global event.
"The ICC team visited the iconic ground, corporate boxes and looked into all the facilities at the stadium and expressed happiness and said the International cricket body is eagerly looking forward to host a successful World Cup," stated the CAB.
Eden Gardens is set to host five group-stage matches during the T20 World Cup, including one of the three opening-day fixtures. The iconic venue will also stage a Super Eight clash and a semifinal - provided Pakistan do not advance, as their matches have already been allocated to Colombo.
Of the group games, Eden Gardens is slated to host three of Bangladesh's matches, although the team's participation remains uncertain.
Following a meeting with national team players, Bangladesh's sports adviser Asif Nazrul on Thursday said the ICC's assessment was not acceptable to them and indicated reluctance to travel to India, citing security concerns.
The concerns surfaced after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was withdrawn from the IPL on the BCCI’s instructions due to unspecified "developments all around".
The ICC, however, has refused to relocate fixtures. In case of a Bangladesh pullout, Scotland are next in line to replace them as per rankings.
(With PTI Inputs)
