ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Advisor Dr Asif Nazrul has said there is no conducive atmosphere for Bangladesh to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India, citing serious security concerns raised by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
According to state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Dr Nazrul made the remarks on Monday after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) received a letter from the ICC’s security team highlighting potential risks to the Bangladesh team if it travels to India for the tournament.
Speaking to reporters at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Bhaban, Dr Nazrul said the ICC security assessment pointed to three key issues. These include increased security risks if star fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman is part of the squad, potential threats if Bangladeshi supporters move around wearing the national team jersey, and rising security challenges as India approaches its election period.
He said these observations clearly demonstrate that conditions are not suitable for Bangladesh to play the T20 World Cup in India.
Terming the ICC’s stance as “bizarre and unrealistic,” Dr Nazrul said it is unreasonable to expect Bangladesh to field a team without its leading bowler, restrict fans from wearing national colors, or even consider election-related adjustments simply to participate in a cricket tournament.
Dr Nazrul further alleged that the prevailing communal situation in India, along with what he described as a sustained anti-Bangladesh campaign over the past 16 months, has made it impossible for the Bangladeshi team to feel secure.
He stressed that cricket should not be controlled by a single market or country, adding that if the ICC truly functions as a global body, it should offer Bangladesh the opportunity to play the T20 World Cup in a neutral venue such as Sri Lanka.
The sports adviser said Bangladesh would not accept any compromise on player safety and dignity, adding that the lack of a safe playing environment in India has been clearly established.
He concluded by saying that when even Indian cricket authorities indicate concerns about Bangladeshi players’ participation, it leaves little doubt that there is no viable playing environment for Bangladesh anywhere in India.
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