Bangladesh Stands Firm on Not Playing in India Despite State Security

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains resolute in its decision not to participate in any matches of the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in India, even if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) offers state-level security guarantees through the ICC.

Amid ongoing diplomatic and political tensions between Bangladesh and India, the BCB has clearly communicated to the ICC that it will not send the team to India under any circumstances. The board reiterated that it will remain firm on this position until the end.

ICC Proposes Talks

The ICC has proposed a discussion with the BCB on the matter. An online meeting is scheduled for today (Tuesday, 6 January) to address the issue.

Sources close to the matter told a local media outlet that the BCCI may offer to provide state-level security for the Bangladesh team in India through the ICC during today's talks. However, as of yesterday, the BCB's position was that it would not accept even this offer.

Mustafizur's Exclusion Sparks Security Concerns

The BCCI itself created the opportunity to question India's security assurances by excluding Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL on instructions from certain political and extremist religious groups. This has naturally raised serious doubts: If the security of a single Bangladeshi player like Mustafizur cannot be ensured in Kolkata or Mumbai, how can the entire Bangladesh contingent — including players, coaches, support staff, and journalists — be guaranteed safety during the World Cup?

BCB President’s Direct Statement

While signing the condolence book for former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia yesterday, BCB President Aminul Islam directly told journalists: “At this moment, we do not feel safe going to India to play the World Cup. We have clearly stated our position in the letter. We believe security is a major concern.”

He also described the decision to exclude Mustafizur from the IPL as “disrespectful.”

BCCI Under Pressure

The BCB’s unwavering stance has placed the BCCI under significant organisational pressure. As the host nation, the BCCI is responsible for ensuring the participation and security of all teams. However, current ICC Chairman Jay Shah is finding it difficult to avoid this mounting pressure.

Some Indian media outlets have already hinted that the ICC may respond positively to the BCB’s proposal to shift Bangladesh’s matches to a neutral venue.

Government Directive

The Bangladesh government has also issued clear instructions that the national team should not travel to India for the World Cup and that Bangladesh’s matches should be relocated to another country.