'It’s not our domain': BCCI responds to Bangladesh’s relocation demand

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has broken its silence on Bangladesh’s request to relocate their T20 World Cup matches outside India, but stopped short of addressing the issue directly.

Speaking to news agency PTI on Friday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the matter was beyond the board’s remit, stressing that the International Cricket Council (ICC) holds the final authority on World Cup participation.

“The meeting was about CoE and other cricketing matters. It's not our domain to talk about that (as the ICC has the final say on Bangladesh's participation in the T20 World Cup),” Saikia said following a meeting related to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Bangladesh had formally approached the ICC seeking relocation of their matches from India after star pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, following instructions from the BCCI.

Mustafizur’s removal from the IPL sparked widespread criticism in Bangladesh. In response, the country’s interim government suspended the broadcast of the IPL, while the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided not to send the national team to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, citing concerns over the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India.

The tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7.

The BCB has since sent a detailed letter to the ICC outlining its security concerns and is now awaiting a response. The ICC’s decision could determine whether Bangladesh participate in the World Cup.