Big Blow for Bangladesh: ICC Unlikely to Accept Security Concerns Over India Ahead of T20 World Cup

Big Setback for Bangladesh as ICC Unlikely to Shift T20 World Cup Matches from India

The International Cricket Council (ICC) appears unlikely to grant Bangladesh’s request to move its T20 World Cup matches out of India, after an independent security assessment rated the threat to the team as “low.”

ICC sources confirmed that the risk assessment found no specific or direct threats to the Bangladesh team for their scheduled fixtures in India, which begin on February 7. The report contradicts earlier claims by Bangladesh sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul that player Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion could heighten security risks. Bangladesh is set to play four league matches in India.

“It is important to clarify that ICC’s independent risk assessments, carried out by internationally recognised security experts, do not indicate that Bangladesh cannot participate in its scheduled matches in India,” an ICC official said on condition of anonymity. The overall security threat for the tournament has been classified as low to moderate, similar to other major global sporting events.

The BCB had requested relocation of its matches citing security concerns, but the ICC has yet to provide a formal response. According to sources, the ICC remains confident in the security measures planned by the BCCI and local authorities, who have a proven track record of safely hosting international cricket events.

Bangladesh’s earlier threat to withdraw from the tournament followed Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders over unspecified “developments,” prompting the Bangladesh government to ban IPL broadcasts. Former captain Tamim Iqbal and Test skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto urged caution, highlighting the psychological impact on players and long-term consequences of extreme actions.

The ICC, however, continues to consult participating boards and remains open to dialogue to strengthen security arrangements, while the T20 World Cup schedule is expected to proceed as planned.