Bangladesh Declines To Play T20 World Cup Matches In India

Bangladesh has come up with a decision not to play its T20 World Cup matches in India citing security concerns. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has already asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move those matches to the country of their choice and that is Sri Lanka.

Security Issues and Official Statement

The BCB has mentioned that the decision was made after analyzing the situation and listening to the advice of the Bangladesh government. The board stated that it was not happy with the security conditions for the Bangladeshi team in India. The BCB has revealed that it has requested the ICC to relocate its World Cup matches to Sri Lanka.
A BCB official indicated that India cannot provide security for one Bangladeshi player, it cannot provide safety for the whole team. Following this reasoning, Bangladesh chose not to go to India for the tournament.

Mustafizur Rahman and IPL Context

The announcement came just one day after the Kolkata Knight Riders released the fast bowler of Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman, from their squad. This action was taken at the direction of the BCCI. The BCB has approached the Indian board seeking a rationale since Mustafizur had earlier been advised to be ready for the IPL auction.
The relationship between India and Bangladesh has continued to be strained since the ousting of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year. There have been reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, which has further aggravated the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Obstacles in Moving Matches

The T20 World Cup, which will be held together by India and Sri Lanka, is going to start on February 7. Bangladesh will take part in four league matches. One game each is to be played in Kolkata against the Windies, Italy, and England. The last game is going to take place in Mumbai with Nepal.
In less than a month, the transfer of the games to Sri Lanka brings forth major logistical difficulties. Travel plans, hotel arrangements, and broadcasting are all set up. A BCCI representative mentioned that it is very tough to change venues at this time and may not even be possible. The ICC hasn't declared its decision on the matter concerning Bangladesh's request yet.
It is interesting to note that Pakistan, which is India’s historical rival, has all its matches already assigned to be played in Sri Lanka.

No IPL Broadcasting in Bangladesh

While things have changed, IPL matches will not be shown in Bangladesh anymore. Government consultant Asif Nazrul told that he has asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to stop IPL coverage. He added that Bangladesh will not tolerate any act that is viewed as disrespectful to its cricket team or players.
The BCB has commented that it has not yet got the BCCI's official statement concerning Mustafizur Rahman's release for IPL.

Bangladesh Reveals T20 World Cup Team

In spite of the dilemma, Bangladesh made the announcement of a 15-member T20 World Cup squad. Litton Das is going to be the one taking charge. The fast bowler Taskin Ahmed comes back to the team after being off for the recent series versus Ireland.