With no response from BCB, ICC readies Scotland call-up

With no response from BCB, ICC readies Scotland call-up

The 24-hour deadline set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expired, with no formal response from the BCB. Media reports indicated internal discussions were held with government authorities and players' representatives, but no communication was made to the ICC within the stipulated timeframe.

From the ICC's perspective, the path is straightforward. With Bangladesh not agreeing to participate, the ICC is expected to invite a replacement side, with Scotland the most likely candidate. The ICC may now move swiftly to formalise Scotland's participation in the T20 World Cup.

BCB president Aminul Islam mentioned the possibility of a last-minute miracle, but with the ICC board having already voted on the issue, there was little indication of any late change in stance. The decision was left to Bangladesh, and no action was taken.

The BCB had all of Thursday to decide whether to travel to India but maintained its position, reiterating it would not do so due to security concerns for its players.

Asif Nazrul, the Bangladesh government's sports advisor, stated on Thursday: "Now this ICC tournament is being held in India. No matter how much the ICC says there is no security risk, the ICC does not have its own country. The country where my player was not safe – and where the Indian cricket board, which is an extended arm of the government, failed or was unwilling to provide him security under pressure from extremists – that is the country hosting this tournament." He clarified that not playing in India is a government decision.

That decision, however, was always likely to come with consequences.