ICC Rejects Claim of Validating Bangladesh’s Security Concerns in India: Sources

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has denied claims that its security team validated Bangladesh’s concerns about travelling to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup, sources said.

Bangladesh government sports adviser Asif Nazrul told reporters on Monday, January 12, that the ICC had acknowledged security risks for Bangladeshi players and supporters in India. He claimed the ICC’s security team had responded to letters from Bangladesh authorities outlining conditions under which safety threats could increase.

However, sources within the ICC refuted these assertions, saying no such letter had been issued validating Bangladesh’s concerns. The sources added that the ICC is expected to release an official statement on the matter in the coming days.

Nazrul had said Bangladesh sent two letters to the ICC, after which the governing body’s security team allegedly replied, stating that security risks could rise if fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was included in the squad, if Bangladeshi fans wore national team jerseys, and as Bangladesh’s national elections approach.

“So this statement of the ICC security team has proven beyond doubt that there is no situation for the Bangladesh cricket team to play the T20 World Cup in India,” Nazrul said, as quoted by ESPN. He added that expecting Bangladesh to exclude key players, restrict fan attire, or alter election timelines was “unrealistic and unreasonable.”

The Bangladesh men’s team has reportedly decided against travelling to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup amid recent tensions surrounding Mustafizur Rahman’s early release from Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

According to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the decision was taken primarily on safety grounds. The board has formally communicated its position to the ICC, stating that prevailing security concerns would make participation difficult if the tournament is hosted in India.