Bangladesh Out Of T20 World Cup: The International Cricket Council (ICC) formally informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of its decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the upcoming T20 World Cup, noting the board's refusal to travel to India over security concerns, as per news agency PTI.
This conclusion follows Bangladesh's declaration on relocating its matches from India to Sri Lanka, a proposal rejected by the ICC after thorough security assessments indicated no credible threats to the team.
According to PTI, the senior ICC officials, including chairman Jay Shah, were in Dubai on Friday and an email was sent late in the evening to BCB chairman Aminul Islam Bulbul, conveying the global body's decision.
"An e-mail was sent last evening to the Bangladesh Cricket Board chairman intimating him that his board didn't get back to ICC officially after the 24-hour deadline that was given to them to decide if they wanted to come to India, so a decision has been taken," an ICC source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
"The BCB did a press conference in Dhaka before officially informing the global body which is a violation of protocol. They have been categorically told that they are being replaced," the source added.
Bangladesh's Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul counselled against proceeding with the India tour, citing security concerns despite the ICC's continued commitments of a safe environment.
Meanwhile, Cricket Scotland has remained mum, stating they are yet to receive official word, suggesting proof of their inclusion is imminent, pending finalisation of formalities.
ALSO READ: Pratika Rawal And Vaishnavi Sharma Get Maiden India Test Call-Ups For Australia Tour
If Scotland is formally included in the group, the side will play their four group league games against West Indies (February 7), Italy (February 9) and England (February 14) in Kolkata, followed by a game against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.