Bangladesh's top sports official has launched a sharp critique against the International Cricket Council (ICC), accusing the global body of failing to comprehend the severe security risks and "national humiliation" faced by its team ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup matches scheduled in India.
A Firm Stand on Security and National Dignity
Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul, after a high-level meeting with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul and vice-president Faruque Ahmed on Wednesday, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the ICC's response. He stated that the council's reply did not reflect the gravity of the security situation for Bangladeshi cricketers, spectators, and journalists in India.
"After reading the letter we received from the ICC today, we felt that they have not fully understood the serious security situation that has developed in India for Bangladeshi cricketers," Nazrul told the media. He emphasized that the issue transcends mere security, touching upon the nation's pride. "To me, it does not feel like only a security issue. It feels like an issue of national humiliation as well."
The Trigger: Mustafizur Rahman's IPL Exit
The diplomatic row intensified following the controversial exit of pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the next Indian Premier League season. The move came after advice from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Nazrul pointed to this incident as clear evidence of a hostile environment.
"When the Indian cricket board itself is telling the Kolkata team that they cannot provide security to this player and asking them to drop him from the team, that alone shows there is no environment in India where it is safe to play," he argued. Subsequently, the BCB formally requested the ICC to relocate Bangladesh's T20 World Cup fixtures from India to co-host nation Sri Lanka.
No Compromise on National Honour
Reiterating Bangladesh's non-negotiable position, Asif Nazrul clarified that the team's hard-earned qualification for the World Cup deserves respect, but not at any cost. "We are a cricket-crazy nation and we definitely want to play. We do not want to play the T20 World Cup at the cost of national humiliation, at the cost of the security of our cricketers... or at the cost of the country’s dignity," he stated.
He made it unequivocally clear that Bangladesh is firm on its demand to play in Sri Lanka. "When it comes to the security of our cricketers, the security of Bangladesh, and the honour and dignity of Bangladesh, there will be no compromise," Nazrul declared.
On the possibility of the ICC rejecting their request, the adviser said the immediate strategy is persuasion based on strong arguments. However, he reaffirmed that the core principles of security, honour, and dignity remain absolute red lines for the nation. The ball is now in the ICC's court as a major diplomatic and sporting standoff unfolds.
