Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided not to send its national team to India, citing serious concerns over the safety and security of its players.
The decision was confirmed on January 4 and has since been formally communicated to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The BCB has requested that all of Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches, which were scheduled to be played in India, be shifted to Sri Lanka, the tournament’s co-host.
Bangladesh is not withdrawing from the competition but has made it clear that they are unwilling to play their matches in India under the current circumstances.
Decision Confirmed by Government Advisor
The decision was publicly confirmed by Dr Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh’s advisor to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, through a Facebook post.
He stated that the BCB had taken the call after assessing the prevailing situation and consulting with government authorities.
“Bangladesh will not go to India to play the World Cup,” Nazrul wrote, adding that the board has instructed officials to submit a detailed explanation to the ICC and formally request a change of venue for Bangladesh’s matches.
Mustafizur Rahman Controversy Sparks Concerns
The situation escalated following the recent controversy involving Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who was released from his IPL contract with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Rahman had been signed by KKR for ₹9.20 crore, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history.
The release came amid heightened political and diplomatic tensions between the two countries, which reportedly led to fears regarding the safety of Bangladeshi players travelling to India.
According to BCB officials, the incident raised serious doubts about whether the national team could feel secure during the World Cup.
BCB Seeks ICC Intervention
In an official statement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board said that its board of directors had unanimously resolved that the team would not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions.
“Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and considering advice from the Bangladesh government, the Board believes this step is necessary to safeguard the well-being of players, officials, and stakeholders,” the statement read.
The BCB has urged the ICC to respond urgently and ensure that Bangladesh can participate in the tournament in a safe and appropriate environment.
Matches Scheduled in India
Bangladesh were scheduled to play Group C matches against West Indies, Italy, England, and Nepal at venues including Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, during the February–March tournament.
With the ICC now facing a complex logistical challenge, a decision on Bangladesh’s request is expected to have a significant impact on the tournament schedule.
