NEW DELHI: Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has handed Bangladesh a reality check over their refusal to play in the T20 World Cup in India, saying there is not an iota of security threat to Bangladesh players and that it is their loss if they choose not to participate.
"A lot of international matches are going on, and no team has complained. If they don't come, it will be their loss and a loss for their players," Azharuddin told news agency ANI.
The 62-year old former player emphasised that India is a very safe country for visiting teams. "New Zealand are currently playing in India, and South Africa played just a few days ago."
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He also addressed Bangladesh’s demand to shift their matches to Sri Lanka, noting that the final decision rests with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
"You can't keep shifting the World Cup matches here and there. Since the matches are already scheduled, it is very difficult to shift matches," he added.
The ICC issued Bangladesh an ultimatum on Wednesday, requiring them to either confirm travel to India for the T20 World Cup or face the possibility of being replaced, as there was no credible security threat to players, officials, or fans.
Bangladesh were given until Thursday to make a final decision, with Scotland next in line to take their place based on team rankings for the tournament set to begin on February 7.
Bangladesh are due to play four games in India (three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai). The country raised security concerns after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was ousted from the IPL on BCCI's instructions for unspecified "developments all around."
