With only three weeks to the T20 World Cup, uncertainty and tension mount regarding Bangladesh's match venues. The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are embroiled in a venue dispute, complicating the tournament with diplomatic and logistical challenges.
Pointing to security concerns and political tensions between India and Bangladesh, BCB has persistently urged ICC to shift Bangladesh’s group matches from India to Sri Lanka. However, the ICC is hesitant to concede as the tournament nears, fearing alterations would impact broadcast planning, ticketing, ground management, and travel preparations.
Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram... Is this the Plan B?
According to a Cricbuzz report, instead of prioritizing Sri Lanka, the ICC, with BCCI, is scouting alternative host cities within India. Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram emerge as potential backups. Indications have been sent to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) to be ready to host matches if needed. Chennai's Chepauk Stadium, already hosting seven World Cup games, reassures the ICC of accommodating extras with eight available pitches.
Complicating matters, after the BCCI instructed the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, the situation escalated beyond security issues. Subsequently, Bangladesh banned IPL broadcasting, marking a first since 2008.
Meanwhile, Pakistani media reports that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi proposed to the ICC that Pakistan is ready to host Bangladesh’s matches if both India and Sri Lanka are unacceptable. Yet, the ICC has not officially responded to this proposal.
Will ICC respond by January 12?
According to the current schedule, Bangladesh is set to face the West Indies, Italy, England in Kolkata on February 7, 9, and 14 respectively, and Nepal in Mumbai on February 17. However, with prevailing conditions, this schedule is now uncertain. An official ICC response to BCB might arrive by January 12, but as time advances, complexities intensify.
