Concerns Over Venue Change for Bangladesh in T20 World Cup

BCCI’s Response to Venue Change Reports

Devajit Saikia, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has stated that they have yet to receive any formal communication from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the proposed alteration of Bangladesh’s venues for the upcoming T20 World Cup. According to Saikia, this issue is primarily between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the ICC.

T20 World Cup Co-Hosting Details

India and Sri Lanka are set to co-host the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on February 7. The BCB has formally requested the ICC to relocate its matches to Sri Lanka due to "security concerns" stemming from rising tensions between Bangladesh and its neighboring countries. The BCB has claimed to have received acknowledgment from the ICC, which assured them that their request will be evaluated.

Background of the BCB’s Apprehensions

The BCB’s call for a potential venue change has been intensified by recent events, particularly involving Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman. He was released from the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the behest of the BCCI for undisclosed reasons, amid growing concerns over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.

Alternative Venues Under Consideration

Reports indicate that the ICC is exploring alternative venues for Bangladesh’s matches. Initially, Sri Lanka was the BCB’s preferred choice, but it seems unlikely that this will be the final decision. Instead, cities like Chennai and Trivandrum are being considered to replace the locations of Kolkata and Mumbai.

BCCI’s Stance on Venue Change

Saikia clarified that the BCCI has not been informed about any developments regarding a venue change. He stated, "The BCCI has not received any communication regarding the matter of shifting Bangladesh matches to Chennai or anywhere else, and it is beyond our control." Saikia emphasized that the matter lies solely between the BCB and the ICC. The BCCI, as the host, will act according to any decisions made by the ICC.

Scheduled Matches for Bangladesh

According to the current schedule, Bangladesh is set to play three matches in Kolkata:

• Against West Indies on February 7
• Against Italy on February 9
• Against England on February 14

Following these matches, they are expected to play against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.