Political tensions between the nations have led to Bangladesh refusing to journey to India for the 2026 Males’s T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7, “under current conditions”.
Here’s what we all know to date…
Why have Bangladesh taken this stance?
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has cited considerations round “safety and well-being” for opting towards heading to India.
Ties between the nations have strained even additional with a Hindu man killed by a mob throughout violent protests in Bangladesh in December after being accused of blasphemy, resulting in protests by Hindu nationalist teams in India.
The BCB’s stance on the T20 World Cup got here shortly after Bangladesh quick bowler Mustafizur Rahman had been withdrawn from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the Indian Premier (IPL) on the request of the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The BCCI didn’t explicitly point out the strained political ties however mentioned the choice was primarily based on “recent developments”, with Mustafizur – named in Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup social gathering – now poised to overlook the IPL from March 26 to Could 31.
Mustafizur has beforehand performed for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Tremendous Kings and Delhi Capitals within the IPL, taking 60 wickets in 65 video games.
What did the BCB say in its assertion?
The assertion learn: “Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and the growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India and considering the advice from the Bangladesh Government, the Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current condition.
“In gentle of this resolution, the BCB has formally requested the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC), because the occasion authority, to think about relocating all of Bangladesh’s matches to a venue outdoors India.”
Sky Sports has contacted the ICC for comment.
What might this imply for the T20 World Cup?
Bangladesh had been scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai through the group stage, so this replace has the potential to throw the match calendar into disarray.
The World Cup is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan enjoying all of their matches within the latter nation as a consequence of longstanding political tensions with India.
Whether or not Bangladesh’s matches transfer to Sri Lanka or elsewhere, stays to be seen.
How might this influence England?
England are as a consequence of play Bangladesh in Kolkata on Saturday February 14
England are as a consequence of face Bangladesh at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday February 14 in Group C, a pool that additionally options West Indies, Italy and Nepal.
Harry Brook’s facet had been set to play all of their first-round matches in India, beginning towards Nepal in Mumbai on Sunday February 8 earlier than dealing with West Indies on the identical venue on Wednesday February 11.
A conflict with Italy in Kolkata on Monday February 16 follows the Bangladesh encounter in the identical metropolis. If the Bangladesh fixture is now moved, it might add to England’s journey.
