In the wake of the Mustafizur Rahman controversy, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has indicated that it wants Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches moved out of India.
The BCB is set to formally approach the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting that its T20 World Cup fixtures be relocated from India to Sri Lanka. This move follows the release of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the direction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The Indian board reportedly issued the instruction in view of prevailing political tensions and recent developments in Bangladesh.
Reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have contributed to strained relations between the two nations. Over the past few days, KKR and its co-owner Shah Rukh Khan were targeted, with the situation eventually leading to the BCCI asking the franchise to release the left-arm seamer.
As per ESPNcricinfo, the BCB is likely to raise concerns with the ICC regarding player safety in Kolkata, where Bangladesh are scheduled to play their opening three matches of the T20 World Cup.
“We have three matches of the T20 World Cup in Kolkata, so we will write to the ICC regarding what has happened today,” the BCB’s media committee chairman, Amzad Hussain, told ESPNcricinfo.
Bangladesh’s sports adviser Asif Nazrul has already said that he plans to ask the BCB to formally request a venue change to Sri Lanka. He also voiced serious concerns over the team’s safety while touring India.
“I have asked the BCB to explain the entire matter to the International Cricket Council. The board should inform that if a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India despite being contracted, the entire Bangladeshi cricket team cannot feel safe going to play in the World Cup. I have also instructed the Board to request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka,” he wrote on Facebook.
Nazrul further stated that he has approached the country’s information and broadcasting ministry to halt the telecast of the IPL in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup fixtures are scheduled to be held in Kolkata and Mumbai, with their opening match against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on February 7. Notably, earlier this week, the BCB also unveiled its home international calendar, which includes a series against India comprising three ODIs and three T20Is.
However, according to The Indian Express, the BCCI is currently awaiting clearance from the Indian government for the Bangladesh tour and will proceed to Dhaka once approvals are granted.
KKR release Rahman
On Saturday, the three-time IPL champions confirmed that Rahman had been released from their squad following instructions from the BCCI. The franchise also noted that it would be permitted to sign a replacement player in line with BCCI regulations.
Earlier, Rahman had been acquired by KKR for ₹9.20 crore during the mini-auction after an intense bidding battle involving the Chennai Super Kings and the Delhi Capitals.