ICC says 'no sign of change in venue' for T20 WC despite Pak's concerns

With Pakistan's participation in the next year's World Twenty20 Cup still in doldrums, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has given no indication of shifting the mega tournament from Bangladesh, according to reports.

According to The Express Tribune, a well-placed official said that the ICC is not considering switching the venue and continues with its preparations to host the event in the country currently gripped with political tension.

The World Twenty20 Cup will be played from March 16 to April 6 after Bangladesh will host the Asia Cup from February 24 to March 7. Pakistan is scheduled to take part in both events, the report said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) last week expressed its concerns to the ICC over sending the national team to Bangladesh amid the ongoing diplomatic tiff between the two governments and anti-Pakistan sentiments in the country, the report added.

Najam Sethi, PCB's Interim Management Committee chairman, said the board was in touch with Pakistan's foreign office for seeking advice and updates on the situation, the report mentioned.

According to reports, protests against Pakistan were still raging in various cities of Bangladesh, raising further doubts over the team's participation.

However, the ICC appears set to host the tournament as planned, the report further said.

It is pertinent to mention that the ICC has already opened the process of media accreditation for the tournament, clearly mentioning Bangladesh as the host country, according to the report.