Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul has said he is hoping for a “miracle” from the International Cricket Council (ICC) as Bangladesh make a final attempt to retain their place in the bangladesh cricket t20 world cup amid concerns over playing matches in India.

BCB requests time after ICC warning

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo on Wednesday, Bulbul said he requested additional time from the ICC to consult the Bangladesh government after being told the team could be replaced if they refused to travel to India for the bangladesh cricket t20 world cup.

“I asked the ICC board for time to talk to my government for one last time,” Bulbul said. He added that the ICC allowed him 24 to 48 hours to respond after acknowledging the request as valid.

Bulbul stressed that the board does not want to pressure the government and reiterated Bangladesh’s position that India is not considered secure for the players. He said the BCB remains keen to play their matches in Sri Lanka, despite the ICC previously rejecting that proposal.

Hope for ICC reconsideration

Bulbul admitted the situation is difficult but said the desire to play the bangladesh cricket t20 world cup remains strong across all sides.

“I am hoping for a miracle from the ICC. Who doesn’t want to play in the World Cup?” he said, noting that both the players and the government want Bangladesh to participate. However, he added that government decisions take into account broader security concerns, not just the players.

ICC rejects venue change request

The comments came shortly after the ICC formally rejected the BCB’s request to move Bangladesh’s group-stage matches from India to Sri Lanka. The ICC cited the lack of any “credible security threat” and warned that changing the schedule would create serious logistical and precedent-related issues for the bangladesh cricket t20 world cup.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Bangladesh could be replaced by another team, most likely Scotland, if they maintain their current stance.

Government meeting and existing fixtures

Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul is scheduled to meet national players at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka on Thursday at 3:00pm.

Under the existing schedule, Bangladesh are set to begin their bangladesh cricket t20 world cup campaign against West Indies in Kolkata on February 7, followed by matches against Italy and England in the same city, and Nepal in Mumbai.

The BCB has made a last-ditch appeal to the ICC, seeking time to consult the government as it hopes for reconsideration over playing venues in the bangladesh cricket t20 world cup. With the ICC rejecting a venue change and warning of possible replacement, Bangladesh’s participation now hinges on urgent discussions and a final decision.