'Possible group change' discussed in BCB–ICC meeting

The possibility of changing Bangladesh’s group in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup was discussed during a meeting between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) representatives in Dhaka on Saturday, said a press release from the BCB.

Bangladesh are currently drawn in Group C of the tournament, which begins on February 7, alongside England, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal, with all their group matches scheduled to be played in India. By contrast, Group B -- featuring Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman, Ireland and Zimbabwe -- will play all of their matches across venues in Sri Lanka.

“The discussions were conducted in a constructive, cordial and professional manner, with all parties engaging openly on the relevant issues. Among other points, the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group as a means of facilitating the matter with minimum logistical adjustments was discussed,” the BCB press release stated.

The BCB reiterated its formal request for Bangladesh’s matches to be relocated to Sri Lanka, citing concerns raised by the Bangladesh government over the safety and security of players, fans, media personnel and other stakeholders, read the statement.

The ICC delegation included Gaurav Saxena, General Manager (Events and Corporate Communications), who joined the meeting virtually due to a visa delay, and Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager of the ICC Integrity Unit, who was present in Dhaka, the statement said.

BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul, vice-presidents Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, director and Cricket Operations Committee chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, and CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury attended the meeting from the BCB side.

Both the BCB and the ICC agreed to continue discussions on the matter in the coming days, added the press release.