Bangladesh may skip T20 World Cup in India; Scotland could replace them. ICC extends deadline amid security concerns.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) refused to grant the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to swap its T20 World Cup group stage matches from India to Sri Lanka. The board argued that the safety of players, officials, and fans at any of the tournament venues was not under any credible threat. 

The vote on the relocation request saw fourteen out of the sixteen ICC members against it, Bangladesh and Pakistan remained as its only supporters.

Bangladesh’s Deadline Extended for Final Decision


The ICC sources said that the decision was taken during a video conference meeting held to discuss BCB's concerns. The ICC also stated that all the matches in Kolkata and Mumbai will take place as planned and the original tournament schedule will be followed. If Bangladesh withdraws, Scotland may come in as the team to be replaced according to the current rankings. Bangladesh now has until Thursday to notify its participation in the tournament.

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BCB President Voices Security Concerns


BCB president Aminul Islam expressed hope for a last-minute solution. He said, "I am hoping for a miracle from the ICC. Who doesn't want to play in the World Cup? The Bangladesh players want to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh government wants Bangladesh to play in the World Cup." He also highlighted safety concerns, saying, "But we don't think India is safe for our players. A government doesn't only consider the players, but they consider all, when it takes a decision."

Tensions Escalated After IPL Controversy


The BCCI said unspecified “developments all around” and removed Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL roster, which led to the situation escalating. The BCB, citing national pride and security concerns, declared that its team would not go to India for the group stage matches. India and Bangladesh have experienced strained diplomatic relations recently, partly due to the riots in Bangladesh.

Conclusion: Implications for the World Cup


Bangladesh's ultimate choice will drastically affect the T20 World Cup timetable. Scotland's taking over guarantees that there will be no interruptions in the group stage matches. It has also drawn attention to the intricate relationships of sports, politics, and diplomacy, which, as it seems, have made security and national sentiment considerable factors in the decisions of holding international events. The fans are waiting for the situation to be cleared as the tournament gets nearer.

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