ICC flags 3 security concerns over BD playing T20 World Cup in India

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has identified three specific factors that it says could increase security risks for the Bangladesh team if they play their T20 World Cup matches in India, according to officials of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul revealed that the ICC's security team outlined the concerns in a formal letter sent to the BCB as part of ongoing discussions over venue arrangements for the tournament, which is scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

According to the letter, the first risk factor would be the inclusion of star fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in the Bangladesh squad. The ICC indicated that his presence could require heightened security measures, given his profile and recent developments surrounding his professional engagements in India.

The second concern relates to Bangladeshi supporters. The ICC warned that if Bangladesh fans move around wearing the national team jersey, it could increase security vulnerabilities during the tournament.

The third factor cited by the ICC was the timing of Bangladesh's national elections. The security team said that as the election period draws closer, the overall risk to the Bangladesh team could rise further.

The disclosure has sparked criticism in Dhaka, with officials questioning the practicality of such conditions. Bangladesh has formally requested that its World Cup matches be relocated away from India, arguing that a global tournament should not require compromises on team selection, fan expression or domestic political processes.
The ICC has yet to issue a public response to the concerns raised by Bangladesh.