Tensions between Bangladesh and India in cricketing circles have intensified following the exclusion of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to “security concerns.” In the wake of this development, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has raised serious apprehensions about the safety of its players, questioning how the entire national squad could be adequately protected in a country where one of their key players is deemed unsafe.
As a result, the BCB has reportedly written multiple letters to the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting consideration for relocating Bangladesh’s World Cup fixtures away from India. The latest communication from the ICC’s security division outlines three primary areas of concern regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup in India. The full letter, obtained by BBC Bangla, provides a detailed assessment of potential risks and is the basis for the ongoing security discussions.
According to the ICC’s email, dated 3 January, the correspondence references several key points: the BCCI’s directive to drop Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh’s request to play in Sri Lanka instead of India due to security concerns, and the temporary suspension of IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh in response to Mustafizur’s omission.
The letter then evaluates the risks of the Bangladesh team touring India under four distinct categories:
| Risk Area | Assessment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mustafizur Rahman Issue | Moderate to High | Initial risk assessment in December rated India as “moderate” risk generally, but “moderate to high” specifically for Bangladesh. Subsequent assessment considered risks moderate but flagged potential issues if religious extremism became involved. |
| Bangladesh Team Security | Medium-Low | Warm-up match in Bengaluru, three group matches in Kolkata, and one in Mumbai were assessed as medium-low risk. BCCI official C.V. Muralidhar confirmed recent events have not changed this evaluation. |
| Supporters’ Security | Medium | Bangladesh fans attending in Kolkata and Mumbai face medium risk; risks rise to moderate-high if fans wear team jerseys or visit smaller venues. Potential for local unrest exists but is considered unlikely. |
| Bangladesh Political Context | Medium | Ongoing political tensions ahead of Bangladesh’s 12 February national elections may have short-to-medium-term impact. Current evaluation indicates these tensions are unlikely to escalate into direct threats to venues or players. |
The ICC’s assessment emphasises that, while the risk for most teams is considered moderate, Bangladesh faces slightly elevated security challenges, particularly due to the Mustafizur issue and potential reactions from fans. The correspondence also notes that comprehensive security reviews are underway, involving independent security managers from both cricket boards.
The final section of the email encourages the BCB’s security advisor to provide feedback and share any additional concerns. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that any potential risks are addressed proactively, enabling Bangladesh to participate in the World Cup with robust security measures in place.
The unfolding situation highlights the intersection of sport, politics, and security, underscoring the complexities that cricketing bodies face in ensuring the safety of players and supporters during high-profile international tournaments.