Pakistan, Jan. 23 -- India's T20 World Cup preparations have been overshadowed by a diplomatic row with Bangladesh, raising concerns about the country's global sports ambitions. Bangladesh refused to play matches in India, citing security concerns, while the ICC rejected a request to move the games to Sri Lanka.

With barely two weeks before the tournament, organizers face uncertainty, and Scotland may be drafted to replace Bangladesh just days before the opening match.

Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam Bulbul stressed that his team wants to participate but not on Indian soil, warning that exclusion of a major cricket-loving nation would hurt the sport globally. ICC officials maintained there was no credible threat to move ...