Pakistan, Jan. 24 -- India hopes next month's T20 World Cup will bolster its credentials as a global sports host - and the country's Olympic ambitions - but preparations have been rocked by a diplomatic row with Bangladesh and accusations of political interference.

With barely two weeks until the tournament, Bangladesh have effectively been forced out after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected a request to move their matches from India to co-hosts Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.

"Our only demand is to play the World Cup - but not in India," Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam Bulbul told reporters on Thursday, adding that without a change of venue, the team would not participate. India is preparing to host t...