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Bangladesh Refuses T20 World Cup India Matches, Cites Security Concerns

Bangladesh's government sports advisor, Asif Nazrul, has stated the national team will not travel to India for their T20 World Cup matches, citing security concerns. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their matches to co-host Sri Lanka. This stance follows political tensions and a BCCI request concerning pacer Mustafizur Rahman's IPL release. The ICC, reportedly irked by the move, is set to make a final decision and has warned Bangladesh that a withdrawal could see them replaced by Scotland.

Key Points: Bangladesh T20 WC Row: Refuses India Matches, Seeks Sri Lanka

  • Bangladesh refuses India T20 WC venue
  • Cites security and political tensions
  • Requests ICC move matches to Sri Lanka
  • ICC decision expected by Jan 21
2 min read

'We cannot be pressurised to play in India...,' says Bangladesh govt's sports advisor on T20 WC row

Bangladesh govt advisor says team "cannot be pressurised" to play T20 World Cup in India, requests ICC move matches to Sri Lanka over security.

"We cannot be pressurised to play in India by putting illogical pressure. - Asif Nazrul"

Chittagong, Jan 20

Asif Nazrul, the Sports Advisor for Bangladesh's government, stated on Tuesday that Bangladesh has remained firm in its position and is opposed to travelling to India for their T20 World Cup matches.

Bangladesh are refusing to play their T20 World Cup matches in India, citing security concerns, and have asked the ICC to move their matches to co-hosting nation Sri Lanka, after the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release their pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming IPL 2026 amid prevailing political tensions between the two countries.

Nazrul said that Bangladesh will not accept any unreasonable conditions if the International Cricket Council (ICC) imposes them under pressure from India.

"If the International Cricket Council (ICC) bows to pressure from the Indian Cricket Board and tries to impose any illogical condition on us, we will not accept," Nazrul told reporters on Tuesday.

"In the past there are examples where Pakistan said that they will not travel to India, and ICC changed the venue. We have asked to change the venue on logical grounds, and we cannot be pressurised to play in India by putting illogical pressure," he added.

It has been learnt that the ICC will make a final decision on Bangladesh's request by January 21. Over the weekend, the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board held a meeting, at which both parties maintained their respective positions.

Bangladesh had also suggested to the ICC that it consider moving its team to Group B, swapping places with Ireland, which plays its group matches in Sri Lanka. The ICC has reportedly assured Ireland that no such move will be made.

The ICC officials are irked by the BCB's stance, as they understand the BCB has assured them there is no security threat to Bangladesh. It has also impressed upon Bangladesh that if they withdraw, then they will nominate a replacement team, with Scotland currently next in line based on rankings.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As a cricket fan, this is so disappointing. Sports should be above politics. We were looking forward to seeing Shakib, Litton, and the team play here. Hope the ICC finds a sensible solution quickly.
A
Aman W
Honestly, the timing is suspicious. Right after the BCCI asked for Mustafizur's release for IPL? Feels connected. But pulling out of a World Cup is a big step. Their players will be the ones losing out.
S
Sarah B
While I understand national pride, comparing themselves to Pakistan's situation isn't fair. The security apparatus in India is top-class. This stance hurts the spirit of the game more than anything.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I think our board (BCCI) also needs to reflect. The constant pressure and "big brother" attitude sometimes creates unnecessary friction with neighbours. A more diplomatic approach could have avoided this public spat.
N
Nidhi U
If they have assured ICC there's no security threat, then what is the real reason? Just say it's political and be done with it. Don't hide behind excuses. Feel bad for the cricket fans in both countries.

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