Pakistan is ready to host Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC T20 World Cup, sources said, amid security concerns that have led Bangladesh to refuse playing in India.
The issue arose after threats from extremist groups in India targeted Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, demanding his removal from the IPL. The Kolkata Knight Riders’ owner, actor Shah Rukh Khan, was reportedly instructed by the Indian cricket board to drop the player, prompting the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to raise safety concerns.
BCB officials questioned how the entire team’s security could be guaranteed in India if one player could not be adequately protected.
The ICC T20 World Cup is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Following Pakistan’s decision not to host matches for its team, the ICC had scheduled all Pakistan matches in Sri Lanka. Bangladesh was originally set to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul said that the board has formally communicated its concerns to the ICC through two letters, requesting that Bangladesh’s matches be relocated to Sri Lanka, and is now awaiting a response from the governing body.
Pakistan has indicated that all its cricket grounds are available to host Bangladesh’s matches if the ICC decides to move the fixtures.
