'No change in stance about playing in India' – Bangladesh govt's sports advisor

Asif Nazrul, the Bangladesh government's sports advisor, on Tuesday again indicated they are not ready to change their stance regarding playing the ICC Twenty20 World Cup in India.

He brushed aside speculation that Scotland might replace Bangladesh in the event if they opt out. Bangladesh is refusing to play in India citing security concerns and has asked the ICC to shift their matches to co-host Sri Lanka.

Over the weekend, the BCB held talks with ICC officials in Dhaka over the impasse, but no agreement was reached. The BCB requested the ICC to change their venue after the BCCI directed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman amid prevailing political tensions between the two countries.

The ICC has set January 21 as the deadline to resolve the matter, as they are running out of time. If Bangladesh is replaced by Scotland—the highest-ranked team that did not qualify—they would need at least 15 days to prepare.

"I am not aware that Scotland will be included in our place," Asif told reporters. "If the ICC bows to pressure from the Indian Cricket Board and tries to impose pressure on us by setting unreasonable conditions, we will not accept those conditions."

"In the past there are examples that Pakistan said that they will not travel to India and ICC changed the venue. We have asked to change the venue on logical ground and we cannot be pressurized to play in India by putting illogical pressure," he added.