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Published : 12 Jan 2026, 06:50 PM
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has highlighted three security concerns regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup in India, one of which specifically involves pacer Mustafizur Rahman, according to Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul.
Nazrul said the letter warns that including Mustafizur in the squad could increase risks for the team, particularly if supporters are seen wearing national jerseys as India’s elections approach.
On Monday, Nazrul cited the letter from the ICC security team, which reportedly listed the potential causes for concern.
The exclusion of Mustafizur, part of the Tigers’ T20 World Cup squad, from the IPL prompted Bangladesh to halt the tournament broadcasts domestically and request the ICC to move their World Cup matches outside India.
The BCB sent two letters to the ICC, receiving a response that, according to Nazrul, validates Bangladesh’s concerns.
He added, “The ICC security team’s statement unequivocally proves that Bangladesh cannot safely play in India during the T20 World Cup. Expecting us to leave our best bowler out, prevent our supporters from wearing the national jersey, and delay our elections for cricket is absurd and unreasonable.”
Nazrul said, “Given the ongoing communal tensions in India and the sustained anti-Bangladesh campaign over the past 16 months, it is impossible for Bangladesh to play in India. Mustafizur’s case and the ICC letter confirm this beyond doubt.”
The ICC letter has not been made public.
Attempts to contact BCB President Aminul Islam and Cricket Operations chief Nazmul Abedin were unsuccessful.
Manager Shahriar Nafees said he had no knowledge of the contents.
“Normally, communications with the ICC go through the cricket operations department. But in this case, the correspondence is directly with the BCB president and chief executive. The letter is beyond my purview,” he said.
On reports that Bangladesh’s matches might be shifted from Kolkata and Mumbai to Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram, Nazrul clarified that the ICC has made no formal announcement.
“The two alternative venues are still in India. If it can be moved from Kolkata to another venue, Sri Lanka would be preferable. I have also seen unverified reports that Pakistan has offered to host our matches.
“Pakistan or the UAE would be fine. But given the hostile environment in India, especially after the BCCI bowed to extremist pressures on Mustafizur, this is the clearest proof to the ICC,” he said.
