In a formal second email to the ICC on Thursday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) reiterated its demand for a venue change to Sri Lanka while outlining the particular security risks associated with traveling to India for the T20 World Cup.
Bangladesh will play four games at the World Cup, three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai, starting on February 7.
Following the BCCI’s decision to dismiss pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, citing vague “developments all around” as justification, they have refused to visit India.
“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 regards to security and BCB has cited them,” a PTI report quoted a source as saying.
He did not, however, go into further detail about the letter’s contents.
The development coincides with a protracted back-and-forth on Bangladesh’s participation between the ICC and the BCB. The international organization has asked for clarification on the precise nature of the security concerns raised by the Dhaka-based board while remaining silent thus far.
It is acknowledged that the BCB is split on the matter. A portion of the board supports Nazrul’s extreme position on the issue, while another part supports maintaining open lines of communication with the ICC and Indian authorities.
They are emphasizing the necessity of more robust and reliable security measures for the entire Bangladesh squad while they are in India.
It is reported that Nazrul, who has previously been outspoken in his criticism of India, has taken a more unyielding stance, which is a significant shift from the BCB’s customarily friendly working relationship with the BCCI.
Mustafizur’s release from KKR for IPL 2026 came after attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.
The ICC has not yet indicated that it would move Bangladesh’s venues from Kolkata and Mumbai to Colombo. Nonetheless, the BCB has said that the ICC has demonstrated a desire to collaborate with it in evaluating the security issues.
