ICC Considers Strict Action Against Bangladesh Over T20 World Cup Refusal to Play
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is weighing strict disciplinary measures against the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) following the team’s refusal to take the field during a crucial T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan. The governing body is expected to make a final decision within 24 hours, with heavy fines or even suspension on the table.
Key Takeaways
- The ICC is investigating Bangladesh’s one-hour delay in resuming play after rain, viewing it as a potential breach of the code of conduct.
- Public criticism of match officials by BCB president Nazmul Hassan has further aggravated the situation.
- Afghanistan won the rain-affected virtual quarterfinal via the DLS method, eliminating Bangladesh from the tournament.
Potential Breach of Conduct
The incident occurred in Kingstown, St Vincent, after a second rain interruption. While Bangladesh players argued the outfield was too wet, match officials deemed it playable. The resulting hour-long delay is seen as a serious breach of the ICC code, which prohibits conduct “contrary to the spirit of the game” or that “brings the game into disrepute.”
ICC CEO Geoff Allardice and chairman Greg Barclay are in Dubai consulting with the events team. A source stated, “The ICC expects all member boards to respect the decisions of the match officials. Public criticism of match officials is not acceptable.”
Consequences and Wider Reaction
The ICC is likely to impose a substantial fine on the BCB. In extreme scenarios, the council holds the power to suspend a member board. The cricket community has widely condemned Bangladesh’s actions, with many former players calling it against the sport’s spirit.
The match was a knockout fixture, with the winner advancing to the Super Eight stage. Afghanistan’s DLS victory ended Bangladesh’s campaign. The ICC’s impending decision aims to set a strong precedent, signaling that such disruptions will not be tolerated in future tournaments .
