Bangladesh's sports advisor, Asif Nazrul, made a significant claim on Monday, stating that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally acknowledged the country's security apprehensions about participating in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. This development adds a layer of diplomatic tension to the prestigious cricket tournament scheduled to begin on February 7.
Bangladesh's Stance and Specific Concerns
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally expressed reservations about their team's travel to India for the World Cup. In light of these security worries, they have requested the ICC to relocate their matches to the co-host nation, Sri Lanka. This request gained momentum following the sudden release of Bangladeshi pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cited unspecified "developments" as the reason for this instruction to KKR.
At a press conference in Dhaka, Asif Nazrul elaborated on the ICC's alleged communication. He claimed the ICC's security team identified three specific factors that could heighten the security threat for the Bangladesh squad. "One is if Mustafizur (Rahman) is included in the Bangladesh team. Two, if the supporters of the Bangladesh team walk around wearing the national jersey of Bangladesh. And the third is that the security threat of the Bangladesh team will increase as the (Bangladesh) elections approach," Nazrul stated, as reported by the Daily Star.
ICC's Firm Rejection of the Claims
However, the International Cricket Council has strongly refuted the narrative presented by the Bangladeshi official. While confirming that internal security communications have been shared with the BCB regarding the tournament in India, the ICC labeled Nazrul's interpretation as a "complete lie."
An ICC source, speaking to PTI, clarified the position. "ICC's communication never mentions that Mustafizur's selection will be an issue. It's complete falsehood...There is no such advisory in formal communication," the source emphasized. The global body denied that it had accepted Bangladesh's concerns in the manner described by Nazrul, creating a direct contradiction between the two accounts.
Broader Context and Tournament Schedule
The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of reported communal tensions, including attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, which preceded Mustafizur Rahman's IPL exit. In a retaliatory move, the Bangladesh government subsequently imposed a ban on the broadcast of the Indian Premier League within its borders.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2023 is set to be held from February 7 to March 8 across various venues in India and Sri Lanka. According to the current fixture, the Bangladesh team is scheduled to play their first three group stage matches in Kolkata, with their final group game slated for Mumbai. The ICC's denial now places the onus on the Bangladesh board to decide their next steps regarding participation, with the tournament start date fast approaching.
