BCB's Request: Logistical Complexities and the Role of BCCI and Governments

The International Cricket Council (ICC) may consider the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) request to move their T20 World Cup matches out of India, but the decision is complex and not straightforward.

The ICC has not yet made a formal decision, with multiple factors involved, including significant logistical challenges. A final decision may be delayed as the ICC evaluates all considerations holistically.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as co-host, will likely have a major say. With just over 30 days until the World Cup begins, altering the schedule at this stage is challenging, affecting multiple teams beyond Bangladesh. This will likely be communicated to the BCB.

Rescheduling would require major adjustments. Bangladesh is in Group C with England, West Indies, Nepal, and Italy. Currently, Bangladesh is scheduled to play three league games in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Changes could extend beyond the league stage if Bangladesh advances to the Super 8s or further, complicating the entire schedule and impacting fan plans.

ICC officials will hold internal meetings in the coming days. They view this primarily as a bilateral issue between the BCCI and BCB, and involving the ICC this late may not be appropriate. However, the ICC will not rush a decision and will explain the constraints to the BCB.

The stance of governments could be influential. The BCCI often consults the Indian government on major issues, and how it responds to Bangladesh's request remains speculative. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently visited Bangladesh, but drawing conclusions from this is premature.

Background: Mustafizur Rahman Incident

This situation stems from the BCB's reaction to a BCCI directive requiring Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman due to "recent developments" in Bangladesh. While unspecified, these developments are understood to relate to reported killings of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

Match Schedule (as currently planned):

• vs West Indies: February 7, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• vs Italy: February 9, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• vs England: February 14, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• vs Nepal: February 17, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

The T20 World Cup runs from February 7 to March 8 across eight venues in India and Sri Lanka.