‘It’s their loss,’ says Azharuddin on Bangladesh's refusal to play T20 WC in India

The former India skipper says the country’s security is “strong” as international teams play safely

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has said Bangladesh cannot blame India’s security arrangements if it chooses not to play its T20 World Cup matches in the country.

Azharuddin, who played 99 Tests and 334 One-Day Internationals for India and led the side in 47 Tests and 174 ODIs, said on Saturday that avoiding matches in India would cause losses to Bangladesh and its players.

“A lot of international matches are going on, and no team has complained. If they don't come, it will be their loss and a loss for their players,” Azharuddin told news agency ANI.

The 62-year old said India is a very safe country for visiting teams. “New Zealand are currently playing in India, and South Africa played just a few days ago.”

He also commented on Bangladesh’s request to play its matches in Sri Lanka instead of India, saying the decision lies with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"You can't keep shifting the World Cup matches here and there. Since the matches are already scheduled, it is very difficult to shift matches," the former Indian cricketer added.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has sent a letter to ICC after a meeting with its players on Thursday, reaffirming its stance.

The likelihood of the schedule being changed, however, remains low.

The ICC’s final announcement on the matter could come at any moment.