Delhi: The tension between Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seems to be deepening regarding the T20 World Cup. BCB, adamant on its refusal to play its matches in India, has again sent a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on this issue. However, till now no final decision has come from the ICC.

bone of contention

This entire controversy started after Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was thrown out of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Former IPL champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had bought Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore in the mini auction, but following the instructions of BCCI, the franchise had to release him. Protests against his playing had intensified in India and many political and social organizations had also targeted KKR owner Shahrukh Khan.

Refusal to come to India for T20 World Cup

The T20 World Cup is to start from February 7. Bangladesh has to play four matches in India in the group stage, out of which three matches are proposed in Kolkata and one match is proposed in Mumbai, but BCB, expressing concern about the security in India, has demanded to hold all its matches in Sri Lanka. BCB sent a formal letter to ICC for the second time on Thursday regarding this demand.

BCCI’s stance

There was no response from BCCI on this entire matter for a long time. After the meeting of BCCI officials in Mumbai on Friday, Secretary Devjit Saikia clarified the situation. He told that there was no discussion in the meeting on Bangladesh’s demand of not playing in India. According to Saikia, this meeting was to review the Center of Excellence (COE) and other cricket matters, while decisions to the T20 World Cup fall entirely under the jurisdiction of the ICC.

Bangladesh’s tough stance

After Mustafizur being thrown out of IPL, Bangladesh’s attitude has become very strict. Apart from refusing to play the T20 World Cup in India, BCB had also banned the telecast of IPL in its country. This has further increased the tension in the cricket relations between the two countries. At present, ICC has not taken any official decision on Bangladesh’s demand. All eyes are now on the global body of cricket, which will decide whether Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches will be held in India or at a neutral venue.