The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly rejected Bangladesh’s request to move its T20 World Cup matches out of India, despite security concerns raised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Indian media claimed on Tuesday.
According to reports, the BCB had formally requested that Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup fixtures be shifted to a neutral venue, citing serious security risks for players and officials. However, the ICC has directed Bangladesh to compete in India as per the announced schedule.
Indian media sources claimed the ICC made it clear that the matches would be held in India, warning that Bangladesh could face point deductions if it failed to honour its fixtures. The ICC reportedly maintained that all necessary security arrangements would be in place for participating teams.
Meanwhile, a private television channel quoted Bangladesh cricket sources as saying that no official ultimatum or written warning has been received from the ICC so far regarding penalties or point losses.
The controversy emerged after Bangladesh Cricket Board Director Asif Akbar publicly stated that the national team would not travel to India under any circumstances due to security concerns. His remarks came shortly after an emergency BCB meeting held to review the safety situation.
Tensions between the two cricket boards escalated following an incident involving Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, which dropped Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the league after alleged threats by Hindu extremist groups. The development further strained relations and prompted the BCB to reconsider its participation in events hosted in India.
The ICC has yet to issue an official public statement on the matter.
