The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to move Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches away from India, according to Indian media reports.
The request reportedly followed security concerns surrounding senior Bangladeshi cricketer Mushfiqur Rahman, who allegedly received threats from extremist Hindu groups. The situation is said to have led to his removal from participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL), prompting the BCB to seek an alternative venue for its World Cup fixtures.
However, the ICC declined the proposal, warning that Bangladesh could face penalties, including the loss of points, if the team fails to travel to India for its scheduled matches.
Responding to the reports, Bangladesh Cricket has clarified that the ICC has not issued any formal ultimatum. BCB Director Asif Akbar was quoted as saying, “Our team will absolutely not travel to India to play the World Cup,” underscoring the board’s stance amid ongoing concerns.
The development has further strained cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh, bringing renewed attention to the complex intersection of sports, security, and political sensitivities. The situation also highlights the challenges international players face when geopolitical and safety issues impact major sporting events.
