Aminul’s remarks come at a sensitive time, with preparations for the T20 World Cup entering a crucial phase. He emphasized that the board’s responsibility is not only to participate in global events but also to ensure the well-being of its players and support staff. “At this moment, we do not feel secure sending our team to India to play the World Cup,” Aminul stated, underlining the seriousness of the situation.
ICC Approached Following IPL Development
The concerns intensified following the sudden release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The decision, taken on the directive of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), raised alarm within the BCB and served as a catalyst for formal action. Soon after, the BCB submitted a written request to the ICC, clearly outlining Bangladesh T20 World Cup security concerns and urging the governing body to consider relocating their matches to a neutral venue.
Aminul confirmed that the letter addressed multiple aspects, with security being the central issue. He added that the board is now awaiting a response from the ICC and expects further discussions to take place. “We have communicated our concerns clearly and are hopeful that the ICC will engage with us soon so we can explain our position in detail,” he said.
No Direct Talks With BCCI, Says Aminul
The BCB president also clarified that the board is not in direct communication with the BCCI regarding the matter. Since the T20 World Cup is an ICC-managed tournament, all correspondence is being handled through the global body. Aminul noted that the board’s next course of action will be determined solely by the ICC’s response to their request.
Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, while announcing Mustafizur Rahman’s release from the IPL, stated that the move was due to “developments all around.” However, no specific explanation was provided, which further added to speculation and uncertainty surrounding the issue.
Bangladesh’s Scheduled Matches and Group Details
As per the original schedule, Bangladesh were set to play three of their T20 World Cup matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Drawn in Group C, Bangladesh were scheduled to begin their campaign against the West Indies at the iconic Eden Gardens on February 7. Their group also includes defending champions England, along with Italy and Nepal, making it a competitive pool for the Tigers.
With Bangladesh T20 World Cup security concerns now in focus, the possibility of these matches being shifted remains open, depending on the ICC’s assessment and decision.
Diplomatic Tensions Add to the Uncertainty
The situation is further complicated by strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. Ties between the two nations have remained uneasy since the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August last year following widespread anti-government protests. While cricketing decisions are officially kept separate from politics, such developments inevitably influence perceptions of security and stability.
ICC Decision Awaited as World Cup Nears
As the T20 World Cup draws closer, the ICC faces a crucial decision that could have wider implications for tournament logistics and regional cooperation. Player safety remains a non-negotiable priority, and the outcome of discussions between the ICC and BCB will determine whether Bangladesh’s fixtures remain in India or are relocated.
For now, Bangladesh T20 World Cup security concerns continue to dominate headlines, with fans and stakeholders awaiting clarity on where and how the Tigers will take the field in one of cricket’s biggest global events.