Bangladesh’s participation in the men’s T20 World Cup grew more uncertain after the International Cricket Council’s security unit flagged multiple risk factors for the team in India—among them the inclusion of left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman—according to the government’s Youth and Sports Adviser, Prof. Asif Nazrul.
Speaking at a press conference at the BFF House on Monday, Nazrul said an ICC security memo to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) outlined three conditions that could heighten threats to the squad if it plays in India: Mustafizur’s selection in the World Cup squad; Bangladeshi fans wearing national jerseys in public; and a rising risk profile as Bangladesh’s national election nears. “If the ICC expects us to drop our best bowler, stop supporters from wearing the national shirt, or delay an election to play cricket—nothing could be more unrealistic,” he said.
The adviser criticized the political and social climate in India as “hostile” toward Bangladesh and argued recent developments surrounding Mustafizur had “removed any doubt” that a safe environment does not exist for the team there. He reiterated the government’s position that the ICC should permit Bangladesh to play its fixtures outside India—citing Sri Lanka as the preferred option—and warned against any “monopoly” over global cricket. “If the ICC is truly a global organization, not beholden to any one country, it must allow Bangladesh to play in Sri Lanka,” he said.
Nazrul added that alternative hosting offers could be workable if a neutral venue is required. “I saw reports—can’t confirm yet—that Pakistan proposed hosting our matches. There’s no problem if it’s Pakistan, and no problem if it’s the UAE,” he noted.
The remarks come amid a broader standoff over Bangladesh’s World Cup schedule. BCB directors have previously voiced concerns about player, staff, and official safety should the team travel to India, and the board has engaged the ICC about venue changes. Monday’s disclosure of the ICC security unit’s scenarios appears to harden Dhaka’s stance.
Mustafizur, one of Bangladesh’s most experienced T20 bowlers, has been at the center of intense debate in recent days, with the adviser alleging that calls around his participation underscore a wider “Bangladesh-averse” campaign across the border. “Where one of our players cannot safely take the field, that itself demonstrates there is no environment to play anywhere in India,” Nazrul said.
Neither the ICC nor the BCB immediately issued a public statement on the reported security memo. The ICC typically coordinates tournament security with host authorities, participating boards, and independent risk consultants.