Pakistan stands by Bangladesh on T20 World Cup venue drama, says no country should face pressure from India: Report – Firstpost

The ongoing standoff between the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council could worsen in the coming days with Pakistan now reportedly reconsidering its participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Bangladesh, after all, is seeking Pakistan’s support on its refusal to travel to India for the upcoming tournament, a stance they have refused to budge from this past week despite repeated discussions with the ICC, according to multiple reports.

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According to a report on Geo News, Pakistan has come out in support of what they describe as Bangladesh’s legitimate concerns over safety and security, adding that no country should face pressure or threats from India.

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Pakistan willing to step in as last-minute co-hosts

Bangladesh has urged the ICC to move their group stage fixtures – all of which take place in India as per the current schedule – to Sri Lanka. Pakistan, however, has expressed willingness to host the Litton Das-led squad in the upcoming mega event if the Sri Lankans are unable to do so.

And the report adds that Pakistani venues are prepared to host World Cup matches on a last-minute basis should their offer be accepted.

Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Nazrul had recently stated that they would be comfortable playing anywhere outside India, even in Pakistan or the United Arab Emirates, and that the alternate venue did not necessarily have to be in Sri Lanka.

India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with the former entering the tournament as the defending champions.

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As per the tournament schedule released in November, Bangladesh are placed in Group C alongside two-time champions England and West Indies as well as Nepal and debutants Italy. They play three of their four group matches at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens and later face Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

BCB had also recently suggested the idea of swapping groups with Ireland, who are placed in Group B alongside former champions Australia and Sri Lanka as well as Zimbabwe and Oman. Ireland play all of their group matches in Sri Lanka, and the Bangladeshi board felt such a move would result in minimal disturbance to the ICC’s logistics and planning.

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Cricket Ireland, however, has since shot down such a proposal, and have firmly indicated they would like to stick to the existing schedule. ICC, too, aren’t likely to accept the BCB’s demand, having found no credible security threat to Bangladesh in India following independent security assessments ahead of the tournament.

The BCB’s refusal to travel to India came in the immediate aftermath of Mustafizur Rahman’s controversial release from Kolkata Knight Riders’ squad in the Indian Premier League.

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