The International Cricket Council has informed Bangladesh that its security risks in India would be “higher” if Mustafizur Rahman is included in the T20 World Cup squad, effectively pressuring the team to drop the left-arm pacer if they want to play in India.
Youth and Sports Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul disclosed the issue at a briefing at the BFF building on Monday.
He said the ICC, in a recent letter, identified three factors that could heighten security threats for Bangladesh during the tournament in India, and Mustafiz’s presence was one of them.
Bangladesh has already said it does not want to play the World Cup in India and has proposed Sri Lanka as an alternative venue. The ICC has not accepted the request and instead introduced the new condition involving Mustafiz.
Asif Nazrul said Bangladesh has sent two letters to the ICC about the venue and is waiting for a response. In the meantime, the ICC’s security team sent its own letter, listing three concerns: Mustafiz’s inclusion, fans wearing the national team jersey in public, and rising tensions as Indian elections approach.
He said the claims show there is no safe environment for Bangladesh to play in India. “It is bizarre to expect us to drop our best bowler or police fans for wearing team jerseys. The atmosphere in India over the past 16 months has made it impossible for Bangladesh to play safely,” he said.
Nazrul also argued that no country should have a monopoly over international cricket. “If the ICC is truly global, we should be allowed to play in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, or the UAE,” he said.
He added that even if India offers an alternative venue inside the country, Bangladesh will not accept it. “India is India. The ICC’s own letter proves there is no suitable environment to play anywhere in India,” he said.