The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally presented what it calls concrete evidence of security threats to the International Cricket Council, escalating its demand to relocate Bangladesh’s matches away from India ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.
According to Bangladeshi media, the BCB sent a detailed letter to the ICC on Thursday, responding to the governing body’s request for clarity on security concerns. The ICC had earlier asked the board to substantiate its position after Bangladesh requested relocation of its World Cup matches.
The legal adviser of the Bangladesh Cricket Board reportedly sent nearly 100 links via email to the ICC as part of the submission.
Alleged risks to player safety
The legal adviser said the evidence includes television reports, YouTube videos, and newspaper clippings, all aimed at demonstrating that the lives of Bangladeshi cricketers could be at risk on Indian soil.
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“One player is not safe, so how can the entire squad be considered safe?” the legal adviser was quoted as saying. The objective of the submission, according to the BCB, is to clearly establish the seriousness of the security concerns.
Relocation of matches to Sri Lanka
Bangladeshi media reported that the board has formally demanded that Bangladesh’s matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, where part of the tournament is also scheduled to be held.
The ICC T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, with matches planned across India and Sri Lanka.
Earlier on Wednesday, BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul reaffirmed the board’s refusal to travel to India following a meeting with Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul.
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Asif Nazrul stated that the government would not compromise on “national honour or the security of our cricketers” and demanded relocation of Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain also supported the stance, saying Bangladesh would “certainly play outside India.”
He stressed that player safety was the primary reason for not sending the team to India.
Tamim Iqbal urges dialogue
Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal urged the board to consider the long-term future of Bangladesh cricket while addressing the issue.
Speaking at the trophy unveiling ceremony of the Zia Inter-University Cricket Tournament at City Club Ground, Tamim said sensitive matters should ideally be resolved through dialogue rather than public statements.
Financial implications
Tamim Iqbal also pointed to the financial reality, noting that 90–95% of Bangladesh cricket’s revenue comes from the ICC. He emphasized that any decision should prioritize what ultimately benefits Bangladesh cricket’s future.
The BCB is now awaiting the ICC’s response, which could determine whether Bangladesh participate in the tournament as scheduled.
