Cracks In Bangladesh Cricket Board Over T20 World Cup Venue Row, Second Letter Sent To ICC: Report

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday formally sent a second communication to the ICC, explaining specific security concerns about travelling to India for the T20 World Cup while reiterating its demand for a change of venue to Sri Lanka. The World Cup gets underway on February 7, and Bangladesh are scheduled to play four games (three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai). They have refused to travel to India after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from the IPL on instructions of 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 regard to security, and the BCB has cited them," a source close to the cricket board told PTI on condition of anonymity.

However, he did not elaborate on the specifics of the letter. The development comes amid sustained back-and-forth between the BCB and the ICC over Bangladesh's participation. The global body has maintained a stoic silence so far and has sought clarity on the exact nature of the security apprehensions flagged by the Dhaka-based board.

Banagladesh Board Divided

It is understood that the BCB itself is divided on the issue. While one section of the board is backing Nazrul's hardline stance, another group is in favour of keeping channels of discussion open with the ICC and Indian authorities.

They are stressing the need for enhanced and foolproof security arrangements for the entire Bangladesh team during its stay in India.

Nazrul, who has been vocal in his criticism of India in the past, is believed to have pushed a more uncompromising line - a marked departure from the BCB's traditionally cordial working relationship with the BCCI.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain confirmed that Bangladesh Cricket Team will not visit India for the World Cup. The adviser said he fully supported Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul's stance on not sending the team to India for safety reasons and demanding that Bangladesh's matches be relocated to co-host Sri Lanka.

"We will certainly play outside India," Touhid said. He added that both players and supporters would have to travel to India and said the government must consider their security.
Mustafizur's release followed incidents involving attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.

As of now, the ICC has not given any indication that it will shift Bangladesh's venues from Kolkata and Mumbai to Colombo.

The BCB has, however, asserted that the ICC has shown willingness to work with it in assessing the security concerns.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Topics mentioned in this article

India Cricket Team Bangladesh Cricket Team T20 World Cup 2026 BCCI Bangladesh Cricket Board International Cricket Council Cricket