Dhaka, Jan o5 (V7N) — The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering relocating Bangladesh’s matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup from India, though no final decision has been taken yet. Cricket-focused outlet Cricbuzz reported that the ICC holds a positive stance toward shifting Bangladesh’s fixtures to Sri Lanka, with a final call expected within the next one or two days.

Earlier on Sunday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally requested the ICC to move Bangladesh’s matches from India. In a press release, the BCB said it had reviewed developments over the past 24 hours and expressed deep concern over the overall situation surrounding the Bangladesh national team’s participation in matches scheduled in India.

The board stated that, following a thorough assessment of the current situation, growing security concerns for the team in India, and advice from the Bangladesh government, it had decided that the national team would not travel to India to play the tournament under the present circumstances. Accordingly, the BCB asked the ICC, as the event authority, to consider relocating all of Bangladesh’s matches to an alternative venue.

The BCB said the move is necessary to ensure the safety and welfare of Bangladeshi players, team officials, board members, and other stakeholders, and to guarantee participation in a secure and suitable environment. The board expects a prompt and empathetic response from the ICC given the seriousness of the matter.

Discussions around Bangladesh’s security intensified after Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders dropped Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman on Saturday. Bangladesh is scheduled to open its World Cup campaign against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on February 7. Of their four group matches, three are slated for Kolkata and one for Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

Although India is the main host, the tournament will also be held in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model. Reports said Kolkata faced pressure from extremist groups over Mustafizur’s inclusion, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India to instruct the franchise to release the player from the IPL.

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