Why the team did not travel to India, explains BCB director Asif Akbar

Bangladesh’s absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has drawn widespread attention, with officials now offering a detailed explanation of the circumstances that led to the decision. According to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Asif Akbar, the choice not to send the national team to India was taken strictly on the basis of government intelligence assessments, prioritising national security over sporting considerations.

The BCB had initially made extensive efforts to ensure Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament. One of its key proposals was to relocate Bangladesh’s matches scheduled in India to Sri Lanka, citing security apprehensions. The proposal was formally placed before the International Cricket Council (ICC), which, in turn, allowed the BCB a limited window to reconsider its stance and explore possible compromises. Despite prolonged discussions, neither party ultimately shifted from its position, resulting in Bangladesh being withdrawn from the competition.

Concerns intensified following developments on 3 January, when Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. The episode triggered renewed debate within Bangladesh over the safety of players and support staff travelling to India amid what officials described as a volatile security environment. On 22 January, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul publicly confirmed that the decision not to tour India had been taken at the highest governmental level due to security risks.

The issue resurfaced during the BCB board meeting on Saturday, 24 January, where members questioned the implications of missing a major global tournament. Addressing the media after the meeting, Asif Akbar reiterated that the board was acting in line with state directives. He explained that intelligence reports had evaluated the potential risks facing players, team officials, journalists, spectators and other associated personnel.

“If any untoward or destructive incident were to occur, we would not be in a position to take responsibility,” Akbar said, emphasising that the decision was entirely governmental. He noted that while the ICC and BCB are international sporting bodies, they do not possess the authority or obligation of a sovereign state when it comes to safeguarding citizens.

Akbar further disclosed that four ministries—Information, Foreign Affairs, Sports, and Law—held joint consultations before placing the matter before the cabinet. After weighing all factors, the cabinet concluded that Bangladesh should not accept any level of security risk.

After nearly 21 days of intense exchanges with the BCB, the ICC formally removed Bangladesh from the tournament lineup and revised the schedule. Scotland, currently ranked 14th in the ICC T20I rankings, has been named as Bangladesh’s replacement. In Group C, Scotland will compete alongside defending heavyweights England and West Indies, as well as Nepal and debutants Italy.

Key Developments at a Glance

The episode underscores the complex intersection of international sport, diplomacy and national security, highlighting how non-cricketing factors can decisively shape participation at the highest level of the game.