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Published : 11 Jan 2026, 12:24 AM
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul has said he does not share Director Asif Akbar’s view on the World Cup.
He reaffirmed the board’s “firm” stance against playing in India while remaining hopeful the issue will be resolved.
Controversy has been brewing over Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup in India over the past few days, with board directors airing their views across different platforms.
One such remark by Asif, BCB director and singer, drew attention, prompting journalists to seek the president’s reaction.
On Saturday night at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Aminul was asked about Asif’s comment that missing a World Cup “does not really matter”.
He was attending the jersey and trophy unveiling ceremony of the “GNC School Cricket” tournament, organised by the Sylhet region of the BCB’s regional cricket centre.
The BCB chief said he was not aware of the comment. He later added, “The World Cup is an opportunity. We will try to play. Everything will be sorted out.”
The board is now waiting for matters to be resolved. The BCB has sent an email to the International Cricket Council (ICC) outlining security concerns in India.
The email included links to reports and videos related to threats issued by political, religious and other groups in recent days.
Aminul said the board is awaiting a response.
“We have not received any reply yet. We have shared all the information we were supposed to provide. Now we are waiting for the ICC’s response.”
Drawing on his long experience working in the ICC Development department, the former Bangladesh captain said he expects a response by Monday or Tuesday.
Three of Bangladesh’s World Cup matches are scheduled to be played in Kolkata, a venue widely considered to pose the highest security risk.
Aminul said the BCB would accept playing in another Indian city if proposed, but made it clear that the location itself was not the main issue.
“Other venues in India are still in India. So the venue is not the key point,” he said.
“You know we are not taking any unilateral decision regarding this World Cup. We will decide after consulting the government, and we remain in the same position we were in earlier.”
Aminul also said he believes the ICC would not be keen to host the World Cup without Bangladesh.
“I believe Bangladesh are a major team in world cricket. Over the past 25 years, from reaching the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy to the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup, Bangladesh have established themselves as a strong side.
“And since the tournament is being held in the subcontinent, that gives us an added advantage.”
Reflecting on the recent turbulence off the field, Aminul acknowledged the challenges of his role.
“The job is completely different from what I had imagined before taking charge. Earlier, I worked on cricket development, but this role is entirely different. I am learning every day. It feels like a six-ball over -- sometimes I hit a four, sometimes I get beaten -- but I am still not out.”
