Only two votes: How Bangladesh’s adamant plea against India was shunted out by the ICC and what’s next for T20 World Cup

Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India was thrown into serious uncertainty on Wednesday after the International Cricket Council formally rejected a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka.

The decision has triggered urgent discussions involving the Bangladesh government, players, and cricket administrators, with the team’s World Cup future now hanging by a thread.

Government to Brief Players Amid Growing Tension

Amid the escalating situation, Bangladesh government’s sports adviser Asif Nazrul is scheduled to meet national team players on Thursday at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka. According to a Cricbuzz report, the meeting—set for 3 pm—will focus on updating players about the latest developments and gathering their feedback.


The move comes after it emerged that the squad had not been consulted during the initial standoff with the ICC. Bangladesh T20I captain Litton Kumar Das had earlier acknowledged that players’ consent was not sought as doubts over participation intensified.

ICC Vote Goes Against Bangladesh

The ICC’s rejection followed a board meeting that lasted close to 90 minutes, during which Bangladesh’s proposal was put to a vote. Reports indicate that all but two ICC members voted against the request. Even last-minute backing from the Pakistan Cricket Board was not enough to sway the outcome.

BCB President Hopes for Last-Minute Reversal

Reacting to the decision, BCB president Aminul Islam expressed disappointment but held on to hope: “I am hoping for a miracle from the ICC. Who doesn’t want to play the World Cup?”

He added: “We explained to the ICC board the reasons for our decision before the voting began. We didn’t want to go into voting. We stepped back.”

Following the rejection, the ICC effectively issued an ultimatum, giving Bangladesh 24 hours to confirm whether they will travel to India for the tournament, scheduled from February 7 to March 8. If Bangladesh fail to comply, they risk being replaced, with Scotland reportedly lined up to take their spot in Group C.

Safety Concerns and Alternative Proposals

Aminul reiterated that while players and the government are keen to participate, safety concerns remain a major obstacle: “The Bangladesh players want to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh government wants Bangladesh to play the World Cup. But we don’t think India is safe for our players.”

He revealed that the BCB had proposed shifting matches to Sri Lanka or even swapping groups with Ireland or Zimbabwe as possible compromises: “It would have been the easiest way. But Sri Lanka said that we don’t want a new team in our group.”

Aminul also said he requested additional time after the vote to consult the government: “I told them that I want one last chance to tell my government. They said it’s a valid point, and gave me 24 or 48 hours to get back to them.”

Despite the setback, the BCB has not completely ruled out further dialogue. A senior board official indicated that the ICC could still reconsider its stance, keeping faint hopes alive for Bangladesh’s participation.

[With TOI inputs]