BCB
ICC calls Bangladesh’s security claims over T20 WC travel to India ‘a complete lie’: Report
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has strongly rejected claims made by Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Nazrul regarding alleged security concerns for his country’s team travelling to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
According to media reports, the ICC described Nazrul’s assertions as “a complete lie,” distancing itself from the statements he made during a press conference in Dhaka.
Nazrul had claimed that the ICC’s security wing had officially flagged specific threats to the Bangladesh team, prompting the Bangladesh Cricket Board to reconsider sending the squad to India for the tournament, which begins on February 7.
What Asif Nazrul claimed
Speaking to reporters on January 12, Nazrul said the ICC had sent a letter to the BCB outlining three major security risks.
He claimed the first risk involved the inclusion of pacer Mustafizur Rahman in the squad, the second related to Bangladeshi fans wearing national jerseys in India, and the third was linked to Bangladesh’s upcoming elections.
Nazrul suggested these factors could significantly heighten security threats for the team during their stay in India.
His remarks came amid rising tensions following Mustafizur’s release from IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
ICC’s strong rebuttal
However, sources within the ICC refuted Nazrul’s version of events, stating that while there was communication with the BCB on security arrangements, it did not include any of the points claimed by the advisor.
“There has been internal communication from ICC to BCB with regard to security in India. But what Asif Nazrul said is a complete lie,” an ICC source was quoted as saying.
The source further stressed that the ICC never mentioned Mustafizur’s selection or fan behaviour as security concerns, calling the claims “completely false.”
Tournament schedule and Bangladesh’s stance
The T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
As per the schedule, Bangladesh are slated to play their first three group matches in Kolkata before heading to Mumbai for their final group fixture.
The BCB’s apprehensions reportedly grew after Mustafizur’s exit from KKR and incidents of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, which further strained relations.
Following the controversy, the Bangladesh government also imposed a ban on broadcasting the IPL in the country.
Divided opinions within Bangladesh cricket
While Nazrul has maintained a firm stand, several senior figures in Bangladesh cricket have urged caution.
Former captain Tamim Iqbal warned that hasty decisions could have long-term consequences, saying today’s actions could impact Bangladesh cricket even a decade later.
Current Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also expressed concern over the psychological toll on players, highlighting the stress of potentially missing out on a World Cup.
Despite these concerns, Nazrul reiterated that Bangladesh would not compromise on its demand to shift matches out of India.
Bangladesh’s group stage fixtures
Bangladesh are scheduled to open their campaign against West Indies on February 7 in Kolkata, followed by matches against Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 at the same venue.
Their final group-stage clash against Nepal is set for February 17 in Mumbai.
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