Dhaka, Tuesday, January 13, 2026 – Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul revealed on Monday that the ICC security team highlighted security threats to the national cricket team during the T20 World Cup 2026 India. The concerns centre on Mustafizur Rahman security risk, fan attire, and India’s election timeline, leading to demands for Bangladesh matches shift Sri Lanka.
The disclosure intensifies debates over Bangladesh‘s participation in India-hosted matches. As co-hosts with Sri Lanka, India is set to stage several games, including four league fixtures for Bangladesh in Kolkata and Mumbai. Nazrul’s statements underscore perceived ICC security threats Bangladesh, questioning the feasibility of travel amid regional tensions.
ICC Security Threats Bangladesh: Adviser’s Claims
Asif Nazrul addressed reporters in Dhaka on January 12, 2026, stating that the ICC security team sent a letter outlining three factors that could elevate risks. These include the inclusion of pacer Mustafizur Rahman in the squad, supporters wearing Bangladesh jerseys, and proximity to India’s national elections.
“In that letter, it is said that if three things happen, the security threat to the Bangladesh team will increase: 1. If Mustafiz is included in the Bangladesh team. 2. If the supporters of the Bangladesh team roam around wearing the national jersey of Bangladesh, which is our national jersey. 3. As the national elections are forthcoming, the security threat to the Bangladesh team will increase,” Nazrul said.
He described the ICC’s position as proof that “there is no situation for the Bangladesh cricket team to play the T20 World Cup in India.” Nazrul criticised the expectations as “absurd, unrealistic, and unreasonable,” arguing that excluding Mustafizur Rahman or restricting fan expressions is impractical.
The adviser linked these ICC security threats Bangladesh to broader issues, including a “prevailing communal situation in India and the anti-Bangladesh atmosphere” over the past 16 months. He plans to release the ICC letter to media for transparency.
Bangladesh Matches Shift Sri Lanka: Official Requests
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches from India to Sri Lanka due to these concerns. Two letters were sent to the ICC, with the second dated January 8, 2026, detailing security apprehensions.
BCB officials await a response, emphasising that safety grounds make participation in India unfeasible. This push for Bangladesh matches shift Sri Lanka aligns with Nazrul’s view that the ICC security threats Bangladesh render India unsuitable.
However, internal divisions appear. Reports indicate the BCB clarified that the ICC’s security assessment was not a direct reply to their venue shift request. One BCB statement noted the assessment as routine, not endorsing heightened dangers.
ICC Denies Validating Threats
ICC sources have rejected Nazrul’s interpretation, stating no letter was sent validating specific ICC security threats Bangladesh. An internal security assessment shared with the BCB last week concluded no credible or heightened threat exists for the team in India.
The assessment, conducted by independent experts, rated overall risks as “low to moderate” across venues – a standard categorisation for global events. It did not recommend excluding players like Mustafizur Rahman or restricting fans, contrary to Nazrul’s claims.
“The independent risk assessments do not conclude that Bangladesh cannot play its scheduled T20 World Cup matches in India,” an ICC source stated. They dismissed assertions of a “complete lie” in public comments misrepresenting routine planning as concrete threats.
The ICC emphasised that no evidence supports direct dangers in Kolkata or Mumbai. This counters Nazrul’s narrative on Mustafizur Rahman security risk and fan safety during the T20 World Cup 2026 India.
Background: Regional Tensions and Cricket Diplomacy
Cricket ties between Bangladesh and India have faced strains amid political developments. Over the past 16 months, incidents including communal unrest and border issues have fueled perceptions of an anti-Bangladesh sentiment in parts of India.
Previous tours, such as Bangladesh’s 2022 visit, proceeded without major incidents, but recent events prompted caution. The BCB’s decision follows similar concerns raised in other sports, where security assessments guide venue choices.
The T20 World Cup 2026 India marks the first men’s global event co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka since 2011. Bangladesh’s group includes strong opponents, with matches potentially drawing large crowds. The push for Bangladesh matches shift Sri Lanka reflects efforts to prioritise player and fan welfare amid ICC security threats Bangladesh claims.
Data from past ICC events shows security protocols successfully managed risks in high-profile tournaments. For instance, the 2024 T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies involved multi-agency coordination without disruptions. However, specific to this case, independent agencies engaged by the ICC found minimal risks for the Litton Das-led side.
What’s Next
The ICC plans to issue an official statement addressing the controversy. Discussions with the BCB continue, with potential decisions on venue adjustments expected soon. If unresolved, the matter could escalate to ICC board meetings.
Bangladesh’s cricket authorities remain firm on safety, potentially affecting preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026 India. A resolution on Bangladesh matches shift Sri Lanka could set precedents for future events amid ICC security threats Bangladesh.
In conclusion, the debate over ICC security threats Bangladesh highlights the intersection of sport and geopolitics, with both sides urging factual assessments to ensure safe competition.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 13th, 2026
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