Mustafizur Rahman row: No India, no Sri Lanka? Pakistan approaches ICC to host Bangladesh's T20 World Cup

In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan has approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) with a proposal to host Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the Mustafizur Rahman controversy. The row, which has seen both India and Sri Lanka reportedly unwilling to host these matches, has left Bangladesh seeking alternative venues to ensure the smooth progression of the tournament. Pakistan's offer comes as a potential solution to the impasse, promising facilities and security measures to accommodate the international event. The controversy began when star Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman was at the center of a dispute involving player availability and scheduling conflicts, leading to diplomatic strains with neighboring cricketing nations. This has culminated in a reluctance from India and Sri Lanka to host Bangladesh's matches, an unusual scenario given the region's history of collaborative cricket events. Pakistan's proactive move to offer its grounds aims to ease tensions while showcasing its capability to host international fixtures. While the ICC has yet to respond to Pakistan's proposal, the cricketing community is abuzz with discussions about the potential implications for regional cricket diplomacy. Hosting the matches in Pakistan could signal a shift in regional cricket dynamics, potentially paving the way for future collaborations. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are keenly observing the ICC's decision, which could set a precedent for resolving such disputes in the international cricketing arena.

— Authored by Next24 Live