'No compromise on security, respect, and dignity', Bangladesh is not ready to come to India; it stands firm on its decision.

'No compromise on security, respect, and dignity': The ICC has currently rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) demand to move the T20 World Cup matches out of India, following the exclusion of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL after he expressed reluctance to travel to India.

According to sources, a meeting was held between the ICC and the BCB on January 6.  During this meeting, the ICC clearly informed BCB officials that it had not received any concrete or credible intelligence regarding security threats to the Bangladesh team in India.

Demand not accepted

Meanwhile, the BCB stated that the ICC is ready to cooperate closely with them on security issues related to the Bangladesh team during the T20 World Cup in India, although the demand to change the venue of the matches has not yet been accepted.

Should be considered

In an official statement, the BCB said that the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament. It also ensured that the suggestions given by the BCB would be seriously considered while formulating the security plan. Following this, BCB President Aminul Islam and Bangladesh government representative Asif Nazrul held a joint press conference. Both reiterated their discomfort regarding the tour to India, with Nazrul appearing more vocal.

Not a suitable environment for playing

He said, "We are trying to explain to the ICC that the current situation in India is not suitable for us to play. There will be no compromise on the security, respect, and dignity of Bangladesh, but we definitely want to play in the World Cup."

Aminul Islam cited the example of the India-Pakistan 'hybrid model', suggesting that Bangladesh's matches could also be held in a third country due to security concerns. He said, "When the Champions Trophy was held, India did not go to Pakistan, and in the last World Cup, Pakistan did not come to India.  Therefore, we hope that the ICC will take a positive approach to our arguments."

Matches to be held in Kolkata and Mumbai

Three of Bangladesh's four group matches in the T20 World Cup are scheduled to be held in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. In Kolkata's Eden Gardens, he is scheduled to play against the West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14.  Following this, he will play against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

Incidentally, the Kolkata Knight Riders had released Mustafizur from IPL 2026 following instructions from the BCCI, after which the Bangladesh government announced that it would not send its team to India. Furthermore, the BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) had also requested the ICC to shift the matches. Kolkata had bought Mustafizur for Rs 9.2 crore in the mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi. After being released from the IPL, Mustafizur has decided to play in the PSL (Pakistan Super League).

No ultimatum from the ICC

The BCB also clarified that no ultimatum had been given by the ICC. The board dismissed media reports that claimed the ICC had given them the option of either playing according to the schedule or forfeiting the matches. Aminul Islam said, "These are completely false and misleading reports. We are still in contact with the ICC, and discussions are ongoing."