Tensions between Bangladesh and the ICC over the 2026 T20 World Cup have come to the forefront.
Bangladesh has expressed strong displeasure regarding the World Cup matches scheduled to be held in India.
Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Advisor, Asif Nazrul, clearly stated that the ICC is failing to understand the gravity of the situation. He said that this is not just a security issue, but also a matter of national honor.
Bangladesh Raises Security And Respect Concerns
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, after a meeting with BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul and Vice President Faruque Ahmed, Asif Nazrul questioned the ICC’s response. He said that the ICC’s attitude suggests they are taking Bangladesh’s concerns lightly.
Asif Nazrul stated unequivocally,
“After reading the letter we received from the ICC today, we felt that they have not fully understood the serious security situation that has developed in India for Bangladeshi cricketers. To me, it does not feel like only a security issue. It feels like an issue of national humiliation as well. Still, we are primarily treating it as a security issue.”
The matter escalated further when fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by his IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders, ahead of the next season. It was reported that this decision was made after consultation with the BCCI.
Immediately afterward, the BCB demanded that Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches be moved from India to co-host Sri Lanka.
No Compromise On Dignity And Safety
Asif Nazrul categorically stated that Bangladesh will not compromise on this issue.
He said, “We are a cricket-crazy nation and we definitely want to play. We do not want to play the T20 World Cup at the cost of national humiliation, at the cost of the security of our cricketers, spectators and journalists, or at the cost of the country’s dignity.”
He further clarified that Bangladesh remains firm on its demand to shift the matches.
“When it comes to the security of our cricketers, the security of Bangladesh, and the honor and dignity of Bangladesh, there will be no compromise. We want to play the T20 World Cup, and since there is another host country, Sri Lanka, we want to play there. We are firm on this position.”
He also made a strong statement regarding the Mustafizur Rahman case.
“When the Indian cricket board itself is telling the Kolkata team that they cannot provide security to this player and asking them to drop him from the team, that alone shows there is no environment in India where it is safe to play.”
Speaking about the ICC’s stance, Asif Nazrul said that Bangladesh will currently try to convince the ICC.
“Our first stance is to convince the ICC. We have strong arguments, and we will convince them with those arguments. On the question of Bangladesh’s security, honor, and dignity, there will be no compromise.”
Currently, this dispute does not seem to be subsiding, and the ICC’s decision in the coming days could further clarify the picture for the T20 World Cup 2026.
