Dhaka: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday formally sent a second communication to the International Cricket Council (ICC), detailing specific security concerns over travelling to India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and reiterating its demand that Bangladesh’s matches be shifted to Sri Lanka.
The global tournament is scheduled to begin on February 7, with Bangladesh slated to play four matches in India — three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. However, the Dhaka-based board has made it clear that the team is unwilling to travel to India, citing safety concerns for players and supporters.
The latest correspondence follows an earlier exchange between the BCB and the ICC, after the world body sought clarity on the nature of the security apprehensions raised by Bangladesh.
“Following discussions with sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul, the BCB has once again sent a communication to the ICC. The ICC wanted to know areas of concern with regard to security, and the BCB has cited them,” a source close to the board told PTI on condition of anonymity.
The source, however, declined to elaborate on the specific points mentioned in the letter.
Mustafizur Rahman Episode Adds to Tensions
The standoff intensified after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from the IPL, reportedly on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The Indian board cited unspecified “developments all around” to justify the decision, a move that did not go down well with Bangladesh officials.
Mustafizur’s release came amid reports of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, adding a sensitive political and security dimension to the ongoing cricketing dispute.
BCB Internally Divided
Sources indicate that the BCB itself is split on the issue. While one faction of the board supports sports adviser Asif Nazrul’s hardline stance, another group favours maintaining dialogue with the ICC and Indian authorities.
Those advocating engagement are said to be pushing for enhanced, foolproof security arrangements for the Bangladesh team during its stay in India, rather than an outright refusal to travel.
Nazrul, who has previously been outspoken in his criticism of India, is believed to have driven a tougher approach — marking a departure from the traditionally cordial working relationship between the BCB and the BCCI.
Bangladesh Government Backs Boycott of India Tour
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain has publicly confirmed that the national team will not travel to India for the World Cup.
“We will certainly play outside India,” Touhid said, fully backing Asif Nazrul’s position.
“Both players and supporters would have to travel to India, and the government must consider their security.”
The government has demanded that Bangladesh’s matches be relocated to Sri Lanka, which is one of the tournament’s co-hosts.
ICC Yet to Decide on Venue Shift
As of now, the ICC has not indicated any plans to move Bangladesh’s fixtures from Kolkata and Mumbai to Colombo. However, the BCB has claimed that the world body has shown willingness to engage and assess the concerns raised.
The situation remains fluid, with discussions ongoing, even as the tournament draws closer.