THE BANGLADESH CRICKET Board (BCB) has remained firm in its stance not to play its T20 World Cup matches in India, citing security concerns, during a video conference with International Cricket Council (ICC) officials.
“The BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns,” the BCB said in a media release issued Tuesday.
“The board also reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh’s matches outside India.”
“Both parties agreed that discussions will continue to explore possible solutions. The BCB remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of its players, officials, and staff while engaging constructively with the ICC to address the matter,” the release further stated.
BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul, vice-presidents Md Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Cricket Operations Committee chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, and chief executive officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury represented Bangladesh at the virtual meeting, Bangladesh media reported.
The identities of the ICC representatives were not stated in the release. However, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta was reportedly among the attendees on the video call.
Earlier on Tuesday, BCB had sent a second letter to the ICC detailing its security concerns, following a request from the ICC in response to the board’s initial correspondence. On January 4, Bangladesh formally asked ICC to relocate its T20 World Cup matches from India.
The BCB said its position remains unchanged despite the ICC highlighting that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested the board to reconsider its stance.
The T20 World Cup is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Bangladesh is scheduled to play three T20 World Cup group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
Bangladesh requested that the ICC shift its World Cup venue from India after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Indian Premiere League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from its squad for this year’s tournament.
The BCCI didn’t give any specific reason for the removal of the star left-arm paceman, but it is believed it was done because of the recent political tensions between the two countries.
Earlier this month, Bangladesh banned broadcasts of the IPL, with its Ministry of Information saying that the decision was taken “in public interest” as the BCCI’s move “caused distress among the people of Bangladesh.”
Political relations between India and Bangladesh soured after a mass uprising in Dhaka in 2024 that ousted then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi.
