Bangladesh's Security Concerns for T20 World Cup: ICC Responds

Bangladesh's sports advisor Asif Nazrul has raised concerns about security for the T20 World Cup in India, claiming the ICC acknowledged these issues. However, the ICC has strongly denied these assertions, calling them false. The situation escalated after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from the IPL, prompting Bangladesh to seek a venue change for their matches. With the tournament approaching, tensions rise as players express anxiety over the potential impact on their participation. This article delves into the unfolding drama surrounding Bangladesh's participation in the T20 World Cup.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 12, 2026, 20:11 IST

Bangladesh's Security Worries for Upcoming T20 World Cup

On Monday, Asif Nazrul, the sports advisor for Bangladesh, asserted that the ICC has recognized his nation's particular security issues regarding travel to India for the T20 World Cup. However, the global governing body of cricket dismissed his claims as “a complete lie.”

Bangladesh has shown hesitation about participating in the tournament set to commence on February 7, requesting to relocate their matches to co-host Sri Lanka due to security fears. This concern arose after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from the IPL following directives from the BCCI, which cited unspecified “developments” as the reason.

During a press conference in Dhaka, Nazrul stated, “I must inform you that the ICC's security team has sent a letter to the BCB. In that correspondence, it was indicated that three factors would heighten the security risks for the Bangladesh team.”

He elaborated, “Firstly, if Mustafizur is part of the Bangladesh squad. Secondly, if fans of the Bangladesh team are seen wearing national jerseys. Lastly, the security threat will escalate as the Bangladesh elections draw near.”

Despite Nazrul's assertions, the ICC confirmed that while they had communicated with the BCB regarding security in India, they refuted his claims about acknowledging Bangladesh's concerns.

An ICC source stated, “There has been internal communication from ICC to BCB concerning security in India. However, what Asif Nazrul claimed is entirely false. The ICC’s communication does not indicate that Mustafizur’s inclusion would be problematic.”

The T20 World Cup is slated to take place from February 7 to March 8 at various venues in India and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh's concerns were heightened after Mustafizur's release from the Kolkata Knight Riders amid reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.

According to the current schedule, Bangladesh is set to play their first three group matches in Kolkata, with the final match in Mumbai.

Following Mustafizur's exit from the KKR franchise, the Bangladesh government has prohibited the IPL's broadcast within the country.

Former captain Tamim Iqbal and current Test skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto have advised against a rigid stance on the issue, with Tamim warning that today's decisions could have long-term consequences. Shanto expressed the psychological strain players are experiencing at the thought of potentially missing a World Cup. Nevertheless, Nazrul remains firm, insisting that Bangladesh will not retract its demands.