Bangladesh threaten not to play T20 World Cup matches in India

AMID TENSE BILATERAL TIES BETWEEN SOUTH ASIAN NEIGHBOURS

- VENKATA KRISHNA B

IN THE LATEST cricketing flashpoint between India and Bangladesh amid tense bilateral ties, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officially requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift its T20 World Cup matches next month from India to co-hosts Sri Lanka, citing “growing concerns regarding the safety and security” of its contingent.

Following the request, it has been learnt that the ICC, led by chairman Jay Shah, has initiated the process of drawing up a fresh schedule.

According to the original schedule, Bangladesh was slated to play three matches of Group in Kolkata, including the opening game against West Indies (February 7), and against Italy (February 9) and England (February 14). Its last group match was to be held on February 17 against Nepal in Mumbai.