The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has hinted at a possible boycott of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected Bangladesh’s demand to shift their matches outside India, sources said on Thursday.

The development comes amid growing criticism of what Pakistan perceives as the ICC’s double standards.

According to sources, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is expected to take a final decision today (Thursday) under government directives.

Bangladeshi media reports indicate that Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul will meet with players in Dhaka today to discuss the matter.

Senior Bangladeshi cricketers are reportedly in favour of participating in the T20 World Cup.

BCB will raise matter with govt

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will speak to the country’s interim government in a last-ditch attempt to secure the team’s participation in next month’s Twenty20 World Cup after their demand to shift their matches outside India was rejected on Wednesday.

Earlier, the ICC board dismissed Bangladesh’s concerns about the safety and security of their players and fans in India.

“I asked the ICC board for time to talk to my government for one last time,” BCB president Aminul Islam told reporters after learning of the ICC decision.

“They said it’s a valid point and gave me 24 or 48 hours to get back to them.”

India not safe place

“We know that India is not secure for us. We remain in the stance that we want to play in Sri Lanka. I know the ICC denied us, but we will talk to the government one more time. I will inform the ICC about the government’s feedback.”

Aminul said the players were in favour of playing in the World Cup.

“I am hoping for a miracle from the ICC. Who doesn’t want to play in the World Cup?” he said.

“Bangladesh players want to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh government wants Bangladesh to play in the World Cup. But we don’t think India is safe for our players.”

Tensions escalate

Political relations have soured between the neighbours in recent times, and cricket has been affected too.

Bangladesh player Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) despite him signing with its Kolkata franchise.

Bangladesh responded by banning IPL broadcasts in the country and demanding to play their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka.