Dhaka, Jan 12 (V7N) — Uncertainty has grown over Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India due to security concerns highlighted by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Youth and Sports Advisor Professor Asif Nazrul disclosed the development at a press conference at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) building on Monday (January 12). He said that the ICC’s security department has formally written to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) outlining potential risks for the team in India.

According to Professor Nazrul, the ICC identified three main factors that could increase security risks for Bangladesh:

  1. The inclusion of left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman in the World Cup squad.

  2. Bangladesh supporters roaming in public wearing the national team jersey.

  3. The upcoming Bangladeshi national elections, which may heighten security concerns around the team.

Professor Nazrul emphasized that these concerns clearly indicate that playing the T20 World Cup in India is not feasible under the current circumstances. He criticized the ICC for what he described as “unrealistic and unreasonable expectations”, stating that the board cannot be expected to field a team without its best players, restrict fans from showing support, or delay national elections for cricket.

He further stressed that no one should monopolize cricket, and decisions about tournaments should not be influenced solely by market or political considerations. Nazrul called on the ICC to consider holding Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka if India cannot guarantee a safe environment.

“Bangladesh will not accept any concessions on this issue,” he said firmly.

END/SMA/AJ