The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected claims that it validated Bangladesh’s security concerns about travelling to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup, sources said.
Bangladesh government sports adviser Asif Nazrul said on Monday, January 12, that the ICC’s security team had acknowledged potential risks for Bangladeshi players and supporters in India. He claimed the ICC responded to letters from Bangladesh authorities, outlining circumstances under which security threats could increase.
However, ICC sources denied that any such communication was issued, saying the governing body’s security team has not written to the Bangladesh Cricket Board endorsing those concerns. The sources added that the ICC is expected to issue an official clarification in the coming days.
Nazrul said Bangladesh had sent two letters to the ICC, after which the security team allegedly replied, noting that risks could rise if fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was included in the squad, if Bangladeshi supporters wore national team jerseys, and as Bangladesh’s national elections approach.
Citing this alleged response, Nazrul said the conditions made it untenable for Bangladesh to participate in the tournament in India, calling the expectations “unrealistic and unreasonable,” according to ESPN.
The Bangladesh men’s team has reportedly decided not to travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup following recent tensions linked to Mustafizur Rahman’s early release from Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board said the decision was taken primarily on safety grounds and that it has formally informed the ICC that prevailing security concerns would make participation difficult if the tournament is held in India.
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