NEW DELHI: As the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains firm on its demand to shift T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, an International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is likely to visit Bangladesh to hold talks in an effort to reach a consensus on the issue.
Sports advisor Asif Nazrul confirmed the proposed ICC visit during a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Thursday. He also clarified that Bangladesh are not in the mood to back down from their demand, while at the same time reiterating their eagerness to participate in the World Cup scheduled to begin on February 7.
"According to the latest updates, Mr. Aminul Islam [BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul] informed me that an ICC team is likely to come to Bangladesh for discussions. There is no chance of us changing our stance. We are eager to play in the World Cup, particularly in Sri Lanka, and I strongly believe that organising this is not impossible," Nazrul said.
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A BCB official, speaking anonymously, told Daily Star that talks with the ICC are likely to take place, but the schedule for the discussions has not yet been finalised.
"We are in discussions, and a delegation is set to arrive, but the exact date has not been determined. We are in communication, but the time is not fixed," the official said.
Tensions have been building since last week, when the BCB leadership held a video conference with the ICC. In the meeting, the board once again refused to send the team to India, citing security concerns, and officially requested that Bangladesh's matches be moved to co-host Sri Lanka.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the BCB said: "During the discussions, the BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns. The Board also reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh's matches outside India. While the ICC highlighted that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested the BCB to reconsider its stance, the Board's position remains unchanged."
In a retaliatory move, Bangladesh refused to send their team to India and banned the IPL telecast in the country after Kolkata Knight Riders released Mustafizur Rahman ahead of IPL 2026, following the directive of the BCCI.
