ICC exposes Bangladesh’s lies

According to the ICC, no letter was issued by its security team to the BCB supporting claims about safety risks related to the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India. Speaking to the media on Monday, January 12, Bangladesh government sports advisor Azif Nazrul claimed that the ICC had acknowledged their concerns and warned of potential security risks for Bangladeshi supporters in India.

Nazrul’s remarks, however, have been denied by ICC insiders, who dismissed the claims and indicated that an official clarification will be released in the coming days. The Bangladesh government’s sports advisor had a that mentioned that the ICC’s security unit acknowledged heightened safety risks for players and supporters, particularly if Mustafizur Rahman features and fans attend matches wearing Bangladesh colours.

He also flagged that the election period in Bangladesh may intensify security challenges in the coming weeks.

“We have written to the ICC twice, and after that the ICC’s security team responded,” Nazrul said on Monday.

“They mentioned three factors that could heighten security risks for Bangladesh in India. First, if Mustafizur Rahman is part of the squad. Second, if supporters move around wearing Bangladesh’s national colours. And third, as our country’s elections draw closer, the threat level could rise.

“This assessment from the ICC’s security team makes it absolutely clear that the conditions are not in place for Bangladesh to compete in the T20 World Cup in India,” Nazrul told reporters, as quoted by ESPN.

“Expecting us to field a side without our leading fast bowler, asking fans not to wear Bangladesh colours, or suggesting that national elections be put on hold for cricket is simply absurd, impractical and completely unreasonable,” he added.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board clarified that their stance is due to security concerns. In its communication to the ICC, the board stated that the current environment does not allow the national team to safely compete if their matches are scheduled in India.

The Bangladesh men’s team will not head to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup, a decision influenced by recent developments linked to Mustafizur Rahman’s departure from the KKR squad.