ICC Assures Bangladesh Board of Support Over Security Concerns for T20 World Cup in India

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is willing to work closely with it to address security concerns surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, even as a request to shift venues remains undecided.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the BCB said it had received a response from the ICC acknowledging the board’s concerns about the safety and security of the Bangladesh national team during the tournament. While the ICC has not agreed to relocate Bangladesh’s matches outside India, it has assured cooperation in detailed security planning.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7, with Bangladesh slated to play four group-stage matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. The ICC, according to the BCB, reiterated its commitment to ensuring the team’s uninterrupted participation and welcomed inputs from the Bangladesh board as part of event preparations.

Tensions between cricketing authorities escalated following diplomatic strain between India and Bangladesh, which coincided with the exclusion of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League. The decision triggered concerns within the BCB, prompting it to formally request that Bangladesh’s World Cup fixtures be moved to co-host Sri Lanka.

Despite the absence of a public response from the ICC on the relocation request, the BCB said it would continue constructive and professional engagement with the governing body and local organisers to reach a practical solution. Bangladesh, placed in Group C, is set to open its campaign against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, before facing defending champions England, along with Italy and Nepal.

The BCB also dismissed reports suggesting it had been issued an ultimatum to either play as scheduled or forfeit matches, calling such claims false and misleading. The board expressed confidence that discussions with the ICC would lead to a smooth and successful participation in the tournament.