BCB awaits ICC response on World Cup venue concerns

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has not yet received a response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding its concerns about playing T20 World Cup matches at venues located in India. Bangladesh has expressed reluctance to participate in the tournament under the current venue arrangements and has formally requested that their matches be relocated to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. The BCB president, Aminul Islam Bulbul, reiterated that their stance on the matter has not changed, highlighting that the issue cannot be resolved by simply shifting venues to another Indian city.

BCB's concerns were amplified following the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman by Kolkata Knight Riders on the BCCI's instructions, amidst reports of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. Bulbul emphasized that the BCB has provided all necessary proof and attachments to the ICC to support their request. He stated that the board is awaiting the ICC's decision before determining further actions, noting that any move to an alternative Indian venue would not address the fundamental security issues.

Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. Bulbul mentioned he was unaware of any reports suggesting Hyderabad and Chennai as potential alternative venues. He expressed confidence in the Bangladesh team's ability to perform well, particularly in sub-continental conditions, citing past successes in major tournaments. The BCB president also addressed a recent controversy involving former captain Tamim Iqbal, calling a BCB director's comment a personal opinion and seeking clarification.