The International Cricket Council (ICC) has found no specific security threat to the Bangladesh cricket team during the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India. An internal security assessment concluded that the overall risk is low to moderate, a level consistent with many major global sporting events. This assessment comes as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) continues to request relocating its matches due to player safety concerns.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]} ### ICC Dismisses Relocation Demands The ICC's independent security reviews, conducted by internationally recognized experts, confirmed there is no direct threat to the Bangladesh team, its officials, or the scheduled match venues in India. This finding suggests the ICC is unlikely to accept the BCB's demand to move games out of India. The tournament schedule has already been announced, with matches set to begin on February 7.^{[8][9][10][4][5][6][7]} Bangladesh is scheduled to play four group-stage matches in India, primarily in Kolkata and Mumbai. The ICC has full confidence in the security arrangements made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and local authorities, citing India's strong record of hosting major international events safely.^{[3][9][4][5][6][7]} The global cricket body stated that the identified low to moderate risks can be effectively managed through standard security planning and mitigation measures.^[3][6] ### Bangladesh Board Raises Concerns Despite the ICC's assessment, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has repeatedly expressed its concerns and requested the ICC consider shifting their matches to co-host Sri Lanka. The BCB reiterated this position during a recent video conference with the ICC.^[8][10][11] The board's stance intensified following the release of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, the Kolkata Knight Riders.^[8][10][11] This development, coupled with what the BCB described as "deteriorating political relations" between the two neighboring countries and alleged attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, fueled their security apprehensions.^[10][12] The BCB formally communicated its position to the ICC, stating that the prevailing security issues make it unfeasible for the national side to participate under current conditions in India.^[13] ### Sports Advisor's Disputed Claims Bangladesh Sports Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul made public claims that the ICC's security assessment had flagged specific threats. He suggested that the security risk for the Bangladesh team would increase if Mustafizur Rahman was included in the squad, if Bangladeshi fans wore national jerseys in India, and as the Bangladesh elections approached.^[1][12][13] Nazrul questioned how India could ensure the safety of an entire squad and thousands of fans if it could not secure one player.^[12] However, ICC sources have refuted these specific allegations. The ICC clarified that its independent risk assessments did not validate these claims and did not identify any direct threats related to player selection or fan attire.^{[14][13][4][5][15]} The global cricket body also stated that it never advises member boards on player selection.^[4] ### Ongoing Dialogue and Future Steps The ICC's position remains firm that there is no independent security basis to move Bangladesh's games out of India.^[3] While the BCB's position "remains unchanged" regarding travel to India, both sides have agreed to continue discussions to explore possible solutions.^[8][10] The BCB emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its players, officials, and staff throughout this process.^[8][10] Some reports indicate that the ICC might consider proposing alternative venues within India, such as Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram, for Bangladesh's group matches if any adjustments become necessary.^[11][6] However, a complete shift of matches to Sri Lanka is deemed unlikely.^[4] The ICC is keen to resolve the venue issue promptly to finalize the tournament schedule ahead of the T20 World Cup, which is less than a month away.^[11]

AI Insights Hub