ICC and BCB hold talks over potential group changes for Bangladesh

Recent discussions between representatives from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have revisited long-standing issues.

But with one notable development, the possibility of changing Bangladesh’s group to minimise logistical challenges was formally discussed.

Andrew Ephgrave, the ICC’s interim general manager of the Integrity Unit, arrived in Dhaka on Saturday for the talks.

Gaurav Saxena, the ICC’s general manager of Events and Corporate Communications, was also scheduled to attend but participated via video link after failing to secure a visa in time.

The BCB was represented by President Aminul Islam, vice-presidents Faruque Ahmed and Sakhawat Hossain, head of Cricket Operations Nazmul Abedeen, and Chief Executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.

In an official media statement, the BCB says it has reiterated its formal request to relocate Bangladesh’s World Cup matches to Sri Lanka.

The board also conveyed the Bangladesh government’s specific concerns over the safety and security of the national team, supporters, media personnel, and other stakeholders.

The BCB dubbed the discussions as "open, constructive, sincere, and professional”, noting that all parties are committed to maintaining a continuous dialogue to reach an agreement.

While both sides previously agreed to keep talking following a recent video conference, the timeframe for a resolution is narrowing rapidly.

The World Cup is set to begin on Feb 7, with Bangladesh scheduled to face the West Indies in Kolkata on the opening day.

According to the current fixture list, Bangladesh are due to play three group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.

The BCB, however, remains firm in its stance, having already informed the ICC of its decision not to send the team to India due to security concerns.