Tensions between India and Bangladesh’s cricketing relations have escalated following the exclusion of pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on “security grounds.” In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has voiced concerns over the safety of its players, questioning how the entire team could be adequately protected in a country where one of its players is deemed unsafe. Consequently, the BCB has written multiple letters to the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting that the Bangladesh team’s World Cup matches be relocated from India.
The ICC’s security division recently responded with a letter highlighting “three key concerns” regarding Bangladesh’s participation in India for the World Cup. The correspondence, obtained by BBC Bangla, provides an official outline of the risks and the rationale behind the ICC’s assessment.
Key Points from the ICC Letter
The letter, dated 3 January, references the IPL decision to exclude Mustafizur Rahman, the BCB’s request to play matches in Sri Lanka due to security issues, and the temporary suspension of IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh. The ICC then presents a detailed evaluation of four main risk areas concerning Bangladesh’s tour to India.
According to cricket website ESPNcricinfo, this “risk assessment” follows ICC’s standard categorisation framework, which generally does not, by itself, justify changing match venues.
| Risk Area | Assessment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustafizur Issue | Moderate to High for Bangladesh | India-wide risk for the T20 World Cup rated moderate; Mustafizur’s presence could exacerbate tensions if religious extremism becomes involved. |
| Team Security | Medium-Low | Matches scheduled in Bengaluru (warm-up), Kolkata (3 group matches), and Mumbai (1 group match). ICC notes risk manageable; BCCI official confident no unmitigable threat exists. |
| Supporters’ Safety | Medium to High for Bangladeshi fans | Bangladesh team risk in Kolkata and Mumbai considered medium; fan risk rises if wearing team colours or attending smaller venues. Potential unrest in case of broader violence (e.g., religious or political incidents). |
| Bangladesh Elections | Medium | Upcoming national elections (12 February) could create short-to-medium-term regional tensions. No immediate threat to venues or players, but full security review recommended. |
The ICC assessment underscores that, although Bangladesh faces slightly higher risks than other teams, the overall threat remains manageable. Strategic security plans are currently under review by two independent security managers appointed by both cricket boards. The letter concludes by inviting the BCB’s security adviser to provide feedback, ensuring any residual concerns are addressed comprehensively.
This communication highlights the delicate balancing act facing the ICC: ensuring player safety while maintaining the integrity and schedule of the T20 World Cup in India.