BCB again writes letter to ICC, demands intervention from DRC in T20 World Cup dispute

Dhaka, 23 January. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made a last ditch effort in its demand to shift the ICC T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. Days after the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s appeal to shift the matches, the BCB has reportedly written another letter to the global body seeking the intervention of the ICC’s Independent Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC).

BCB had announced a day earlier on Thursday that it would not send its national team to India for the tournament scheduled from February 7. According to a media report, BCB is hopeful that ICC will respond to its letter and forward its demand for changing the venue to DRC.

DRC independent body resolves ICC disputes

The DRC consists of independent lawyers and is an arbitration body that resolves ICC-related disputes. It operates under English law, and its proceedings take place in London. The DRC is not just an appeals forum, it also assesses the validity and interpretation of ICC decisions. Its decisions are final and binding, with no right of appeal except on very limited procedural grounds.

ICC had rejected BCB’s request two days ago

It is noteworthy that the ICC, through a video conference on Wednesday, which was called to discuss the future strategy, had rejected the BCB’s request to move its matches out of India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul on Thursday confirmed that the BCB stands by its decision of not playing ICC Men’s World Cup matches in India despite ICC rejecting their request.

As per the schedule, Bangladesh is scheduled to begin its T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against two-time champions West Indies on February 7 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. After this, Liton Das’s team has to face Italy on February 9 at the same venue, after which it will again face England in Kolkata. After facing England, Bangladesh has to go to Mumbai to play Nepal at Wankhede Stadium.