ICC Crosses a Big Hurdle in South Asia

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The unpleasant developments over security and diplomacy in cricket have finally been resolved by the International Cricket Council by engaging in backdoor negotiations with Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket boards in Lahore in early February.

Through this move the ICC saved the much-hyped India-Pakistan Group-A match that was ultimately on 15 February at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Pakistan lost the match by 61 runs. However, the intervention of the Pakistan Cricket Board made ICC to come to reason and accept Bangladesh’s logical demands.  

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will face no punitive measures for its decision to boycott the ongoing T20 World Cup.

In a reconciliation, the global governing body also revealed that Bangladesh will be awarded the hosting rights for a global tournament prior to the 2031 ODI World Cup.

The 20-team tournament had been overshadowed by an acrimonious political build-up after Bangladesh, who refused to play in India citing security concerns, were replaced by Scotland.

As a protest, Pakistan did refuse to face co-hosts India in their Group A fixture.

Bangladesh had originally withdrawn from the tournament after the ICC rejected their request to move matches from India to Sri Lanka following security concerns sparked by the exclusion of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL.

As part of the understanding reached between the boards, Bangladesh—who is already scheduled to co-host the 2031 ODI World Cup with India—will host another ICC event before that date, subject to standard hosting selection processes and operational conditions.

The resolution came shortly after BCB President Aminul Islam issued a statement requesting Pakistan to proceed with their match against India. The meeting in Lahore also covered the broader future of cricket in South Asia.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also put an end to speculation regarding Bangladesh's future in global tournaments, confirming that the Tigers will directly qualify for the 2028 T20 World Cup.

The ICC said that under the current circumstances, no financial, sporting, or administrative penalties would be imposed on the BCB for skipping the World Cup. Additionally, the BCB retains its existing right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) if necessary.

Describing Bangladesh's non-participation as an “unfortunate absence,” the ICC reiterated its commitment to the nation, citing its importance as a vibrant market with over 200 million fans.

ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta stated, “Bangladesh's absence from the T20 World Cup is regrettable. However, this does not alter the ICC's long-standing commitment to Bangladesh as a major cricketing nation”.

He added that the ICC would continue to work closely with the BCB to ensure sustainable development for players and fans, reports agencies.