Harbhajan Singh Calls on ICC to Resolve Bangladesh Travel Row

NEW DELHI : Former Indian spinner and cricket legend Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the growing uncertainty surrounding the Bangladesh cricket team’s participation in upcoming fixtures in India. Speaking on Tuesday, the veteran off-spinner emphasized that while India remains a welcoming host, the International Cricket Council (ICC) must take a definitive stand on Bangladesh’s recent requests.

The comments come amid reports that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is hesitant to send its squad to India following a series of regional incidents. Harbhajan noted that the recent climate has created a sense of unease for the visiting side.

“Because of various incidents that have occurred over the last few days, Bangladesh do not want to come to India. What has happened in Bangladesh is not right,” Harbhajan told news agency IANS, referring to the turbulent socio-political atmosphere affecting the neighboring nation.

Harbhajan pointed out that as the global governing body of the sport, the ICC holds the mandate to mediate such logistical and security-related standoffs. However, he maintained that the “ultimate decision” lies with the players and the board from Bangladesh.

“The ICC will have to decide on their request,” the veteran added. “We welcome everyone to India, but whether they want to come here or not is their decision.”

The former spinner’s remarks highlight a delicate diplomatic balance. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and former players maintain that India is a safe and premier destination for international cricket, the personal and political concerns of the Bangladesh contingent have placed the scheduled matches under a cloud of doubt.

The ICC has yet to release an official statement regarding a change in venue or a postponement of the scheduled events.