Sources within the International Cricket Council (ICC) have firmly rejected assertions that security apprehensions could lead to the Bangladesh men's cricket team skipping the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India. The global cricket body clarified that its independent risk assessments do not support such a drastic conclusion.
Contradictory Claims Spark Controversy
The clarification from the ICC comes as a direct response to statements made by Bangladesh’s sports advisor, Azif Nazrul, on Monday. Nazrul had told reporters that the ICC's own security team had validated Dhaka's concerns, warning of heightened risks for Bangladeshi players and supporters if the tournament proceeds in India.
Nazrul had pointed to specific conditions that he claimed the ICC flagged as potential security threats. These included the inclusion of star left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman in the squad, fans publicly wearing Bangladesh jerseys, and the tournament coinciding with Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections. Based on these purported observations, Nazrul argued it was "unrealistic and unreasonable" for Bangladesh to participate in an India-hosted World Cup.
ICC Sets the Record Straight
In a detailed rebuttal issued on Monday evening, an ICC source dismissed this interpretation. The source stated that some public comments had selectively referenced the ICC's security risk assessment and misrepresented routine contingency planning as concrete, immediate threats.
"The ICC’s independent risk assessments, carried out by internationally recognised security experts, do not conclude that Bangladesh cannot play its scheduled matches in India," the source emphasized. The overall security risk for the entire tournament has been assessed as "low to moderate", a level consistent with many other major global sporting events.
The source provided further clarity, stating that no specific or direct threat has been identified targeting the Bangladesh team, its officials, or the match venues. The risk linked to Bangladesh’s scheduled fixtures in Kolkata and Mumbai has also been rated as low to moderate, with no indication of dangers that cannot be managed through standard security protocols.
ICC's Firm Stance on Key Issues
The ICC was unequivocal on several points raised in the controversy. "The ICC wishes to be clear that it has never suggested, nor would it suggest, that any team should select or exclude players for security reasons, that supporters should be restricted from wearing national colours, or that domestic democratic processes be altered in order to participate in an ICC event," the source explained.
This dispute escalated earlier this month following reports that the Bangladesh men’s team had decided against travelling to India for the 2026 tournament due to safety concerns. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) later confirmed it had sent a formal communication to the ICC outlining its position, arguing that prevailing security issues made participation unfeasible if India remained the host.
The backdrop of this tension also involves recent friction concerning Mustafizur Rahman’s release from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season.
Tournament Schedule and Context
According to the current schedule, Bangladesh is slated to play three of its group stage matches in India during the T20 World Cup. Two matches are scheduled at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and one at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
Their fixtures in India are as follows:
- vs West Indies on February 7
- vs Italy on February 9
- vs England on February 14
Bangladesh's final league stage game is against Nepal on February 17, at a venue to be confirmed. The ICC's latest statements aim to quell the brewing diplomatic and sporting storm, reaffirming confidence in the security preparations for one of cricket's premier events.
