The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally submitted what it describes as concrete security evidence to the International Cricket Council (ICC), intensifying its demand to relocate Bangladesh’s matches away from India ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.
According to Bangladeshi media reports, the BCB sent a detailed letter to the ICC on Thursday in response to the governing body’s request for clarification regarding security concerns. The ICC had earlier asked the board to substantiate its claims after Bangladesh sought a change of venue for its World Cup fixtures.
The BCB’s legal adviser reportedly sent nearly 100 links to the ICC via email as part of the submission. These links include television reports, YouTube videos, and newspaper clippings that, according to the board, demonstrate potential risks to the safety of Bangladeshi players in India.
The legal adviser was quoted as saying that if even one player is unsafe, the entire squad cannot be considered secure. The board maintains that the evidence highlights the seriousness of its concerns and justifies the demand for relocation.
Bangladeshi media further reported that the BCB has formally requested that its matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, where a portion of the ICC T20 World Cup is also scheduled to take place. The tournament is set to begin on February 7, with matches planned across India and Sri Lanka.
Earlier, BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul reiterated the board’s refusal to tour India following a meeting with Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul. Nazrul stated that the government would not compromise on national honour or player safety and supported relocating matches to Sri Lanka. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain also backed the stance, emphasizing that Bangladesh would play outside India due to security concerns.
Meanwhile, former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal urged a cautious approach, advising that sensitive issues be resolved through dialogue rather than public statements. He also highlighted the financial implications, noting that the majority of Bangladesh cricket’s revenue comes from the ICC.
The BCB is now awaiting the ICC’s response, which will determine Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament.
