The ICC should not force Bangladesh to play in India

Uncertainty continues to cloud the schedule of another major South Asian cricket tournament, with India once again at the centre of attention. This time, however, the tables seem to have turned, as India experiences a measure of the diplomatic friction it has often applied to others, according to an editorial in Pakistan’s influential Cricket Concerns newspaper.

The T20 World Cup is now less than a month away and is slated to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka. Yet, Bangladesh has raised serious security concerns about travelling to India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is currently in discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its matches to Sri Lanka.

The concerns stem from the deteriorating diplomatic relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi, as well as recent incidents involving Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had included Mustafizur in their IPL squad, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), citing “recently changed circumstances,” later instructed the franchise to drop him.

The decision sparked widespread outrage in Dhaka. In response, Bangladesh banned IPL broadcasts and formally requested the ICC to move its World Cup matches out of India. The BCB argued that if India could not guarantee the safety of a single Bangladeshi player in the IPL, it is implausible to expect the country to ensure the security of the entire national squad.

The World Cup, scheduled to begin on 7 February, now faces renewed geopolitical tensions. A prior India–Pakistan dispute had been partially resolved through an agreement stipulating that if the tournament is held in one country, the other would play its matches at a neutral venue. Accordingly, Pakistan will play its World Cup fixtures in Sri Lanka, echoing last year’s arrangement during the Champions Trophy in the UAE.

India had previously cited security concerns for not sending its team to Pakistan. Now, Bangladesh is presenting a similar challenge, putting the ICC in a delicate position.

Key Concerns Regarding Bangladesh’s Participation in India

Under the current ICC leadership, headed by former Indian cricket official Jay Shah, impartiality is paramount. Observers argue that the ICC must respect Bangladesh’s security concerns and avoid coercing the team into playing in India, ensuring the tournament proceeds without compromising the safety of players.