For several days, formal and informal exchanges have been taking place between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), including continuous email communication. In every instance, the BCB has reiterated its position to the ICC: Bangladesh will not travel to India to play its matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup due to security concerns.

The ICC, on the other hand, has been attempting to persuade the BCB, arguing that changing venues at such a late stage is extremely difficult. The global body has also maintained that the level of security risk in India does not justify Bangladesh’s fears to the extent claimed by the BCB.

As part of these ongoing discussions, senior officials from the BCB and ICC held their first virtual meeting yesterday afternoon to specifically address Bangladesh’s refusal to play World Cup matches in India. During the video conference, the BCB firmly restated its stance. Rejecting all counterarguments from the ICC, the board made it clear that the decision not to travel to India is based on security concerns and has been taken at the government level, leaving no room for reconsideration.

The BCB formally requested that Bangladesh’s scheduled matches in Kolkata and Mumbai be relocated to Sri Lanka or another neutral venue. Officials expressed optimism that the ICC would eventually respond positively to this proposal.

After the virtual meeting, BCB vice-president Sakhawat Hossain told reporters at the board headquarters in Mirpur, “We are completely firm in our position. We will not move even an inch from it. The ICC is exploring alternatives, and discussions are still ongoing. This is just the beginning, and we remain hopeful.”

In a subsequent press release, the BCB stated that the ICC had urged Bangladesh to reconsider its decision, citing the fact that the tournament schedule has already been announced. However, the board has not changed its position. Both sides agreed to continue discussions in search of a possible solution. According to a source, the ICC also expressed dissatisfaction during the meeting over the premature disclosure of internal communications regarding World Cup security.

The BCB delegation included board president Aminul Islam, vice-presidents Faruk Ahmed and Sakhawat Hossain, Cricket Operations Committee chairman Nazmul Abedin, and CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury. The ICC team was led by its chief executive, Sanjog Gupta, along with officials from its security and anti-corruption units.

Sources familiar with the meeting said that strong arguments were exchanged. The BCB questioned how the ICC could ask Bangladesh to travel to India when the ICC’s own internal threat assessment reportedly warned of potential security risks, including possible threats surrounding pacer Mustafizur Rahman and dangers for Bangladeshi fans wearing team jerseys.

The BCB’s reluctance intensified after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), under pressure from extremist groups, removed Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad. The board views this as a clear indication that adequate security cannot be guaranteed for Bangladeshi players in India.

In response, the ICC stated that the existing security risk in India is classified as “low to moderate” and can be managed through appropriate measures. The BCB countered by asking who would guarantee the safety not only of the team, but also of board officials, journalists, and traveling supporters.

While refusing to play in India, the BCB emphasized that Bangladesh is fully willing to participate in the World Cup at an alternative venue. Officials pointed out that many countries in the past have declined to tour certain nations due to security concerns. Bangladesh, they noted, has never before refused to play in any country and remains committed to cricket under all circumstances. This, they said, is the first such instance—and only because India currently presents what they describe as a “serious security threat.”

The BCB also informed the ICC that the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) was being used as preparation for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on February 7. The national squad was announced on time, and travel to India had been planned for January 25, following the BPL final on January 23. However, the decision to drop Mustafizur from the IPL changed the situation entirely.

Bangladesh is scheduled to play three World Cup matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The BCB believes India’s response to extremist pressure in the Mustafizur case clearly shows that the safety of Bangladeshi cricketers cannot be ensured.

The ICC cited the example of Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, who is currently officiating in the India–New Zealand series without facing security issues. The BCB dismissed this comparison, arguing that the security of one individual cannot be equated with that of an entire team, along with officials, media personnel, and supporters.

The BCB remains hopeful that a positive resolution will be reached within the next two to three days, with the ICC identifying an alternative venue. A senior board official claimed there is a solid legal basis for Bangladesh’s position. As a full ICC member, Bangladesh has submitted evidence-backed security concerns, which cannot be dismissed arbitrarily. Even if the ICC rejects the request, Bangladesh would have the right to appeal the decision.

Youth and Sports Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul said the issue goes beyond cricket. “This may cause temporary harm to Bangladesh cricket, but playing in India could be damaging for the country as a whole. We cannot compromise on the safety of our players, fans, or the nation’s dignity.”

He added that Bangladesh genuinely wants to play in the World Cup, but the situation in India appears genuinely risky. According to him, the BCCI’s submission to extremist pressure, ongoing anti-Bangladesh rhetoric, and the ICC security manager’s risk assessment report have all raised serious alarm.

Professor Nazrul expressed hope that the ICC, as a truly global organization, would consider hosting Bangladesh’s matches in Sri Lanka. Otherwise, he said, Bangladesh would be forced—“with a heavy heart”—to stay away from the World Cup.

“As an independent and sovereign nation,” he concluded, “protecting the safety and dignity of our national players and ordinary supporters is our sacred responsibility.”