In an effort to resolve the issue, an ICC representative is set to arrive in Bangladesh on 17 January for high-level talks.
The meeting is scheduled to take place at the BCB headquarters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, with representatives of the Bangladesh government also expected to attend. BPL chairman Iftekhar Rahman Mithu expressed hope that the discussions would produce a positive outcome.
Although two ICC officials were initially expected to travel to Bangladesh, only one will attend the meeting due to visa issues faced by the Indian representative. ICC’s Head of Anti-Corruption and Security, Andrew Ephgrave, will represent the global body in Dhaka.
The controversy began after Bangladesh expressed security concerns following the removal of star pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL by Kolkata Knight Riders, amid allegations of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.
Acting on instructions from Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul, the BCB formally informed the ICC that it would not travel to India due to safety concerns. The board later sent a second letter, attaching links to reports and videos from Indian media, reiterating its position.
The ICC has already held a video conference with BCB officials, including president Aminul Islam Bulbul, vice-presidents Shakhawat Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Cricket Operations Committee chairman Nazmul Abedin Fahim, and the chief executive, requesting Bangladesh to review its decision.
With the BCB maintaining its position, the ICC has now decided to send a delegation to Dhaka.
