According to a Cricbuzz report, while the BCB held internal discussions involving government authorities and representatives of the national players, it failed to officially convey its position to the ICC within the stipulated timeframe. Despite intense behind-the-scenes deliberations in Dhaka, no confirmation or clarification was sent to the ICC headquarters in Dubai, leaving the global governing body with limited options.
Had Bangladesh agreed to travel to India for the tournament, the matter would have been resolved swiftly. However, their continued refusal activated the ICC’s contingency plan. Officials reportedly waited over the past 24 hours for a definitive response, and with none forthcoming, the ICC is now expected to formalise Scotland’s inclusion in the tournament.
BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul had earlier spoken of hopes for a “last-minute miracle,” but those expectations now appear unrealistic. The ICC board has already voted on the issue, placing the final responsibility on Bangladesh to confirm participation — a step that ultimately never came.
Bangladesh had all of Thursday to confirm its involvement in the India-hosted event but stood firm on its stance, citing security concerns for its players. Bangladesh government sports advisor Asif Nazrul made it clear that the decision was political rather than administrative.
“Now this ICC tournament is being held in India. No matter how much the ICC says there is no security risk, the ICC does not have its own country,” Nazrul said. “The country where my player was not safe — and where the Indian cricket board, an extended arm of the government, failed or was unwilling to provide security under pressure from extremists — that is the country hosting this tournament. Not playing in India is a government decision.”
A meeting on Thursday involving Bangladesh’s national cricketers, Nazrul, and senior BCB officials did little to alter the outcome. As per Cricbuzz, players were not consulted for their consent but were instead informed that the decision had already been taken, effectively ending their World Cup hopes.
With the deadline missed and no official confirmation from Bangladesh, the ICC is now expected to move swiftly, prioritising the smooth conduct of the tournament by bringing in Scotland as a replacement.
