Beyond India and New Zealand, who are playing the first ODI of a three-match series here in Vadodara, the game also categorically proved that the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s security concerns as regards sending their team for the T20 World Cup are unfounded. Bangladesh’s Sharfuddoula is the TV umpire in this game, an ICC appointee, and he has been doing his job unfettered, without any trouble. The on-field umpires are Richard Illingworth from England and KN Ananthapadmanabhan from India.
When the BCB sent its first letter to the ICC, in the wake of Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the IPL, it urged that Bangladesh’s matches at the upcoming World Cup be moved out of India due to “security” reasons. The letter not only mentioned “safety and security” of the Bangladeshi players, but it included “officials” as well. Sharfuddoula is proof that the BCB has failed to provide valid security reasons, which makes its plea to the world body unconvincing. No wonder that the ICC is standing firm.
“Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and the growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India and considering the advice from the Bangladesh Government, the Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions,” stated the BCB press release issued last Sunday.It added: “In light of this decision, the BCB has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC), as the event authority, to consider relocating all of Bangladesh’s matches to a venue outside India.
“The Board believes that such a step is necessary to safeguard the safety and well-being of Bangladeshi players, team officials, Board members and other stakeholders and to ensure that the team can participate in the tournament in a secure and appropriate environment.”
As far as hosting multi-nation sports events are concerned, India’s record has been impeccable. Even during the ongoing series, New Zealand cricketers went out for a relaxed morning stroll in Vadodara, a video clip of which went viral on social media. Before that, during the India-South Africa series, players from the visiting team walked to the hills in Dharamsala.
India is ready to host the T20 World Cup that starts from February 7.
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