The ICC has informed the BCB of the World Cup security guidelines

Tensions between Bangladesh and India’s cricket boards have intensified following the exclusion of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on “security grounds.” In the aftermath, concerns have grown over whether the entire Bangladesh team can safely participate in the T20 World Cup in India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to consider relocating the team’s matches to another venue, citing security apprehensions.

The ICC’s Security Department has responded with a detailed letter highlighting three primary areas of concern regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the World Cup. This letter, obtained by BBC Bangla, outlines the organisation’s assessment of potential risks.

The letter begins by noting the IPL exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman on 3 January, Bangladesh’s request to play in Sri Lanka instead of India, and the temporary suspension of IPL broadcasting in Bangladesh due to the controversy. It then evaluates four key categories of risk related to the team’s scheduled matches in India.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the ICC’s “risk assessment” follows its standard global categorisation protocol, which typically does not provide sufficient grounds alone for relocating matches.

The letter notes that while the probability of major violent incidents—such as communal unrest, attacks on religious minorities, or large-scale riots—remains low, the potential impact on team and supporter safety cannot be entirely dismissed.

Finally, the ICC confirms that strategic security planning is currently under review by independent security managers from both cricket boards. BCB security advisors are invited to provide their assessment and suggestions to ensure that any risks or concerns are addressed in a coordinated manner.

This correspondence underscores the delicate balance between sporting commitments and security considerations as Bangladesh prepares to compete in one of the world’s most high-profile cricket tournaments.