ICC faces criticism over decision to remove Bangladesh from T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expelled Bangladesh from the Men’s T20 World Cup due to their refusal to travel to India over security concerns. The decision was made on Saturday, following weeks of negotiations between the ICC and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh had requested to move their matches to tournament co-host Sri Lanka, but the ICC rejected this request, citing it as not feasible given the tournament’s schedule. However, Bangladesh remained firm in their stance, citing safety and security concerns for their players.

The decision has been met with criticism from former cricketers and cricket administrators, who have questioned the ICC’s impartiality. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi stated that the ICC should build bridges, not burn them, and that Bangladesh’s players and fans deserve respect.

The ICC had recently relocated India’s fixtures from Pakistan to a neutral venue due to security concerns, but this decision was not seen as being applied equally to all countries. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has stated that the ICC did an injustice to Bangladesh, citing double standards and a lack of consistency in its decisions.

The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has expressed concern over agreements not being honoured in the sport and a lack of meaningful consultation with players and their representatives. The WCA’s chief executive, Tom Moffat, stated that the ICC should work with all stakeholders to unite the sport, rather than divide it.

Bangladesh will no longer participate in the tournament, which is set to begin on February 7. Scotland has been included in the tournament in place of Bangladesh.

Source: Al Jazeera