ICC Denies Venue Shift Appeal Ahead of Men’s World Cup
The International Cricket Council has rejected a venue shift appeal from Bangladesh. The decision came on Wednesday after detailed reviews. As a result, the match schedule remains unchanged.
ICC Stands Firm on Schedule
Bangladesh had asked to move its games from India to Sri Lanka. However, the ICC saw no need for changes. Officials said safety checks showed no risks at host venues.
This decision affects the Men’s World Cup starting on February 7. Bangladesh will compete in Group C alongside England. All group games will take place in Kolkata and Mumbai.
Bangladesh Raised Concerns
Earlier this month, Bangladesh announced it would not play in India. This move followed the release of Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL team. Growing diplomatic tensions added to the concern.
Therefore, cricket officials from Bangladesh reached out to the ICC. They formally requested a location change for their fixtures. The request aimed to ensure comfort for players and staff.
However, the ICC reviewed multiple independent security reports. These assessments covered players, officials, media, and fans. In addition, local authorities provided updated safety guarantees.
After reviewing the findings, the council rejected the venue shift appeal. It confirmed that all venues meet international safety standards.
The ICC also stressed fairness for all teams. Changing locations would disrupt planning and logistics. As a result, organizers chose consistency and stability.
Despite the decision, Bangladesh remains part of the tournament. Fans now look forward to competitive matches and spirited performances. The focus, therefore, returns to cricket and on-field action.
