Following an abrupt instruction by the BCCI to withdraw Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL and Bangladesh’s subsequent refusal to play their T20 World Cup fixtures in India, there were a flurry of statements and counter statements from both India and Bangladesh. However, the ICC and BCB have remained unusually tight lipped over the past few days as they scramble to find a resolution.
What might a potential solution look like? We look at some of the options on the table and their viability.
Option 1: Playing all Bangladesh matches in Bangladesh
The distance between Dhaka and Kolkata, where Bangladesh play their first three group matches, is about 200 miles, an almost negligible distance in the grand scheme of India’s vast land mass. Shifting Bangladesh’s group games to Bangladesh would be a relatively straightforward logistical operation, welcomed by the country’s fans who haven’t witnessed a senior men’s World Cup since 2014. Bangladesh would also enjoy home advantage in unique pitches and conditions which they are very familiar with.
This option would be viewed as a “win” for the BCB and the Bangladesh government, who appear to have viewed the initial Mustafizur snub as a matter of national pride. However, the likelihood of the BCCI being seen to cave in and fritter away World Cup hosting rights to a perceived hostile neighbour, is remote. West Indies, England, Italy and Nepal will be less than thrilled with the prospect of playing somewhere they haven’t prepared for – although the West Indies recent white ball tour in Bangladesh could provide them with a crumb of comfort.
Playing in Bangladesh might not even suit Bangladesh; general elections, the first since the ousting of the previous government in the summer of 2024, are due to take place on February 12th, just days after the start of the World Cup. The inevitable unrest which occurs during elections, means that ensuring the safety and security of players and staff will be almost impossible, in the weeks before and after the election.
Verdict: Highly unlikely
Option 2: The compromise
The BCB, ICC and BCCI have clearly been engaged in frantic behind the scenes meetings and negotiations, over the past few days. Those of an optimistic persuasion would hope that the hours of phone calls and virtual meetings, will result in an outcome that everyone is satisfied with.
For that to happen, it requires clam heads around the table and a de-escalation of the tone and rhetoric from politicians – pandering to their support base ahead of elections – on either side of the border.
The ICC has a deserved reputation when it comes to “fudging” or skirting around the main issue in search of a quick and temporary fix. In this case, there are a few possibilities that could satisfy all parties. As security has become the key concern for Bangladesh, the guarantee of additional security for players, staff and accompanying media, combined with playing behind closed doors at a quieter, less politically volatile location (Chennai perhaps), might be palatable for all concerned. Given the short distance, flying into Kolkata on the day of each match and leaving afterwards, should be explored. The BCB could interpret the concessions as a “win”, despite the inevitable resistance from politicians.
If Bangladesh’s match venues are to change, the ICC would be faced with a logistical nightmare and a significant schedule re-jig, which it would want to avoid at all costs. However, a change of venue within India would be an easier task to manage.
Verdict: Likely
Option 3: Bangladesh forfeit
ESPNcricinfo reported that the ICC had given Bangladesh an ultimatum of fulfilling their fixtures in India or forfeiting the matches and in effect being eliminated from the tournament without bowling or facing a single ball. The BCB swiftly denied that an ultimatum had been imposed, although in these circumstances there’s a huge difference between what is said in public and private, as the need to save face becomes the misguided priority.
In any case, Bangladesh’s non-participation in the World Cup would be dire for the country’s cricket future. Apart from the immediate financial impact of missing out on their tournament fee, by digging their heels in and refusing to play in India, Bangladesh would be one step closer to becoming a marginalised cricket force, akin to Pakistan. The prospect of not playing India at home or away, would mean significant lost revenue, as well as the uncomfortable reality of being on the outside looking in.
Verdict: Possible but unlikely
Option 4: Bangladesh playing matches in Sri Lanka
Bangladesh playing their matches in Sri Lanka, tournament co-hosts, rather than in India, at first glance seems like a neat solution. However, delve a bit deeper and reservations about a scheduling nightmare (see option 2) become apparent.
If we use England as an example, they are currently due to play Bangladesh in Kolkata on February 14th and then play Italy at the same venue just 2 days later. If the Bangladesh match is moved to Sri Lanka, England would be travelling to Kolkata just a day before their match against Italy – which just isn’t feasible.
Verdict: Unlikely
