The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly begun drafting a revised schedule for the upcoming T20 World Cup following Bangladesh's formal refusal to play at designated Indian venues.

Sources indicate that the ICC, led by Chairman Jay Shah, initiated the reshuffle after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested that its matches be relocated to co-host Sri Lanka, citing significant safety and security concerns for its players.

This diplomatic and sporting standoff was triggered by a recent decision from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to have pacer Mustafizur Rahman removed from the Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL squad.

The BCCI cited "recent developments"—widely seen as a reference to political shifts in Bangladesh—as the reason for the move.

In response, Asif Nazrul, the Youth and Sports Adviser for Bangladesh's interim government, took to social media to state that the nation would no longer tolerate insults to its cricketers or its sovereignty.

Under the original tournament itinerary, Bangladesh was scheduled to play three high-profile Group C matches in Kolkata, including the opening fixture against the West Indies on February 7, followed by clashes with Italy and England.

Their final group match was set for February 17 against Nepal in Mumbai.

However, following two emergency meetings, the BCB board of directors resolved that the national team would not travel to India under the current circumstances.

The board noted that the decision was made after a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and official advice from the Bangladesh government.

By formally asking the ICC to relocate their fixtures, the BCB has forced the governing body to reconsider the logistics of the entire tournament just weeks before the first ball is bowled.

Source: The Indian Express