The Bangladesh Cricket Board has raised serious concerns over the safety of its national team ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, stating that the current situation does not inspire confidence in sending players across the border. Board president Aminul Islam said the decision was taken after detailed internal discussions and was driven primarily by security considerations.
Speaking to the media, Aminul Islam said the board and its directors held multiple meetings before reaching the conclusion that travelling to India at this stage would be risky.
He added that the concerns were formally communicated to the International Cricket Council, making it clear that security remains the board’s top priority.
read also: Bangladesh Pulls Out Of Playing T20 World Cup Matches In India
According to Aminul, the BCB has written to the ICC requesting a meeting to explain its position in detail. He emphasised that Bangladesh is engaging directly with the ICC, as the T20 World Cup is an ICC event, and not holding discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India on the matter. The board’s future course of action, he said, will depend on the response received from the global governing body.
The issue gained momentum following the release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League. The decision, announced by the BCCI, cited unspecified developments, which the BCB believes have contributed to uncertainty surrounding player safety.
Bangladesh is scheduled to play three of its T20 World Cup group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Placed in Group C, the team is set to begin its campaign against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on February 7, before facing England, Italy and Nepal in the group stage.
The situation unfolds against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between India and Bangladesh after the removal of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following widespread protests last year. Subsequent political developments, including her conviction in absentia and reports of attacks on minority communities, have further heightened tensions between the two countries.
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