ICC takes decisive step to resolve T20 World Cup standoff; delegation set for Bangladesh visit

According to a PTI report, ICC members travelling to Dhaka will explore all possible ways to address the ongoing situation.

"Yes, that's the information (ICC officials' visit to Dhaka) at the moment. Discussions are going on at the moment, and all possible ways to handle the situation will be discussed. We expect Bangladesh government officials to also take part in the talks," a source privy to the development told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

The strain between BCCI and BCB escalated after the BCCI secretary asked IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming season. No official explanation was offered for the decision, though it is widely understood to be linked to the recent political unease between India and Bangladesh.

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Bangladesh are scheduled to play their first three Group C games in Kolkata: February 7 (vs. West Indies), February 9 (vs. Italy), and February 14 (vs. England). Their final group game against Nepal will be played in Mumbai on February 17.

However, the ICC is not expected to shift from its position, believing that altering venues at the eleventh hour would open the door for similar requests from other member nations in the future. Such a move could disrupt an already finalised schedule. The global body is also set to reassure Bangladesh about the extensive security arrangements planned for the World Cup.

They were expected to feature in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

The issue was raised during a press conference held by the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) on Thursday, and ICC deemed that the issue should be looked into more closely.

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