The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally sent a second communication to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday, highlighting specific security concerns regarding travel to India for the T20 World Cup. They reiterated their demand for a change of venue to Sri Lanka.
The World Cup is set to commence on February 7, with Bangladesh scheduled to play four matches—three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
Bangladesh has refused to travel to India after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from the IPL following instructions from the BCCI, which cited unspecified “developments all around” to justify the decision.
“Following discussions with sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul, the BCB has once again sent a communication to the ICC. The ICC wanted
to know areas of concern with regards to security and BCB has cited them,” a source close to the cricket board told PTI under conditions of anonymity.
However, the specifics of the letter were not elaborated.
This development comes amid ongoing discussions between the BCB and the ICC regarding Bangladesh’s participation. The global body has maintained a stoic silence and has sought clarity on the exact nature of the security concerns flagged by the Dhaka-based board.
It is understood that the BCB itself is divided on the issue.
While one section of the board supports Nazrul’s hardline stance, another group favours keeping discussions open with the ICC and Indian authorities. They emphasise the need for enhanced and foolproof security arrangements for the entire Bangladesh team during its stay in India.
Nazrul, known for his past criticism of India, is believed to be advocating a more uncompromising stance, marking a departure from the BCB’s traditionally cordial relationship with the BCCI.
Mustafizur’s release followed incidents involving attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.
As of now, the ICC has not indicated any willingness to shift Bangladesh’s venues from Kolkata and Mumbai to Colombo.
The BCB, however, has asserted that the ICC has shown willingness to work with it in assessing the security concerns.
