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Bangladesh have been excluded from the T20 World Cup after refusing to play matches in India citing security concerns. The ICC rejected requests to shift games to Sri Lanka and, following multiple meetings and an ultimatum, replaced Bangladesh with Scotland.
Bangladesh Out of T20 World Cup as ICC Rejects Security Concerns
New Delhi: Following the International Cricket Council's (ICC) major decision regarding the T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has finally accepted it. On Saturday, the ICC announced Scotland's inclusion in the tournament in place of Bangladesh. The tournament is scheduled to be played between India and Sri Lanka from February 7th. Bangladesh was placed in Group C, but citing security concerns, it flatly refused to play in India.
BCB Media Committee Chairman Amjad Hussain said the board tried everything possible, but the ICC remained firm on its decision. He said, "We knew the ICC would not accept our demand. We appealed and held meetings, but when the majority decision was made, we were left with no choice."
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Bangladesh had requested the ICC to hold all its matches in Sri Lanka, but after a security review, the ICC found no shortcomings in India. Despite this, the BCB remained firm and refused to play in India. The ICC made it clear that the venue of the matches would not be changed.
Amjad Hussain stated that after discussions with the Bangladesh government, it was decided that it would not be safe for players, support staff, and journalists to travel to India. Based on this, the BCB did not change its stance. He also clarified that the board would not resort to any arbitration or legal process.
The ICC previously held several rounds of talks with the BCB. Bangladesh even suggested changing groups so that they could play in Sri Lanka, but this was also rejected. Bangladesh's demand was rejected by a majority at the ICC Board meeting on January 21st. Following this, the ICC issued an ultimatum: play in India as scheduled or be eliminated from the tournament.
On January 24th, the ICC officially announced that Scotland would be included in the T20 World Cup in place of Bangladesh. With this decision, the tournament's fate has become clear.
Bangladesh's stubborn security concerns ultimately led to its exit from the T20 World Cup. The ICC has also sent a clear message that the schedule and the host country's security standards will not be compromised in the global tournament.
