BCB raises different group option for Bangladesh at T20 World Cup

Since Bangladesh indicated that it would not travel to India to play in the T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been holding online meetings with the International Cricket Council (ICC). As part of those discussions, ICC Integrity Unit general manager Andrew Ephgrave travelled to Dhaka to meet BCB officials in person.

The meeting, held on Saturday afternoon, was also attended virtually by Gaurav Saxena, ICC general manager for events and corporate communications, who was unable to join in person after not receiving his visa within the expected timeframe.

In a media release issued on Saturday night, the BCB said a range of issues related to Bangladesh's participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup were discussed with the two ICC representatives. The Board once again formally requested that Bangladesh's matches be relocated to Sri Lanka.

The BCB also conveyed the Bangladesh government's views and concerns, with particular emphasis on the safety and security of the team, Bangladeshi supporters, media personnel and other stakeholders.

According to the Board, the possibility of placing Bangladesh in a different group was discussed as a way of resolving the matter with minimal logistical changes.
BCB president Aminul Islam, vice-presidents Md Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, director and Cricket Operations Committee chairman Nazmul Abedeen, and chief executive officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury were present at the meeting.

A BCB source said the ICC representatives listened to the concerns but did not convey any immediate decision, adding that a decision would be communicated after discussions with ICC chairman Jay Shah.

The BCB added that both sides agreed to continue constructive dialogue on the issue.