ICC Rejects Bangladesh’s Request, Team to Play T20 World Cup Matches in India

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has declined Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to move their T20 World Cup matches away from India, meaning the team will have to play their league-stage matches in the host country as scheduled.

ICC Security Assessment Clears India as Safe Venue
Bangladesh had sought a change in venue, citing security concerns, particularly regarding star player Mustafizur Rahman. However, ICC’s independent security assessment found no specific threat to the team in India. The report rated the overall security level for the tournament as “low to moderate,” which is standard for major international sporting events.

An ICC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told PTI that there was nothing in the security review to justify relocating Bangladesh’s matches. The official emphasized that ICC, along with the BCCI and local authorities, has successfully managed similar large-scale events in the past and is confident in the security arrangements for the T20 World Cup.

Tensions Following IPL Incident
The request from Bangladesh came after Mustafizur Rahman was excluded from the IPL, prompting BCB’s concerns over his safety. Bangladesh’s sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul had publicly claimed that Rahman was at risk. Following this, the Bangladesh government had even blocked IPL broadcasts in the country in protest.

ICC Security Plan Ongoing and Collaborative
ICC reiterated that its security measures are a continuous process, involving consultations with all participating nations, including Bangladesh. Despite BCB’s appeal to move the matches, the ICC maintains that the current schedule is unlikely to be altered.

Bangladesh will now play all four of its league-stage matches in India, following ICC’s official clearance, ensuring the T20 World Cup proceeds as planned without any disruption to the schedule.