Don't feel secure in sending our team to India, next step depends on ICC's response: BCB president

By Admin

06 Jan, 2026

Introduction
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has raised serious concerns over the safety and security of its national team ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted in India. The issue has now been formally taken to the International Cricket Council (ICC), with BCB stating that its future course of action will depend entirely on the global body’s response.

BCB Expresses Security Concerns
BCB president Aminul Islam, speaking to reporters on Monday (January 5, 2026), said the board does not feel secure sending the Bangladesh team to India under the current circumstances. He revealed that the decision came after detailed internal discussions.
According to Aminul Islam, the board directors held two meetings before arriving at this conclusion, with security emerging as the primary concern influencing their stance.

Formal Request to ICC
The BCB has officially written to the ICC, requesting that Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches be shifted out of India. Aminul Islam clarified that the communication has been directly with the ICC, as the World Cup is an ICC-managed event.
He added that the board is now awaiting a response and expects the ICC to call for a meeting where Bangladesh can present its concerns in detail.

Next Step Hinges on ICC’s Reply
Aminul Islam clearly stated that the BCB’s next move will depend on how the ICC responds to the email. At this stage, the board has chosen not to engage with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), maintaining that all discussions should take place with the ICC.

Triggering Factor: Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Release
The situation escalated after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from the IPL following instructions from the BCCI. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced the decision, citing “developments all around” without offering further clarification.
This move played a key role in prompting BCB to take the issue formally to the ICC.

Bangladesh’s World Cup Schedule in India
Bangladesh was scheduled to play three T20 World Cup matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Drawn in Group C, the team was set to open its campaign against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on February 7.
The group also includes defending champions England, along with Italy and Nepal.

Political Backdrop and Regional Tensions
The cricketing dispute unfolds against a strained political backdrop. Indo-Bangladesh relations have deteriorated following the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August last year amid widespread anti-government protests.
Hasina was later sentenced to death in absentia by a tribunal over her alleged role in a violent crackdown during the agitation, in which several students were killed. Since her removal from power, reports of violent attacks targeting Hindus have further heightened tensions.

Conclusion
With security concerns taking center stage, the BCB has placed the responsibility firmly with the ICC to address the issue. As Aminul Islam emphasized, Bangladesh’s participation plans for the T20 World Cup in India will be guided by the ICC’s response, making the coming days crucial for the tournament’s scheduling and broader diplomatic balance in international cricket.