Dhaka: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Director Asif Akbar has categorically announced that the Bangladesh cricket team will not travel to India to play the T20 World Cup, citing security concerns and threats as the primary reason for the decision.
Speaking in a firm tone, Akbar emphasized that Bangladesh’s decision is final. “We have decided that our team will not go to India because we are not safe there,” he said. He clarified that the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) selection of alternative venues such as Sri Lanka or Bangladesh is a separate matter, and does not affect their stance regarding India.
The announcement comes after rising tensions surrounding Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was recently removed from the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kolkata Knight Riders following threats from extremist groups in India. The controversy escalated when Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s team purchased Rahman for over 9 crore Indian rupees, but faced backlash from extremist elements labeling the inclusion as “unacceptable,” forcing the franchise to release him.
This incident has strained relations between the Bangladesh and Indian cricket boards. In response, the BCB convened an emergency meeting and resolved that the national team would not travel to India for the T20 World Cup, prioritizing players’ safety above all.
Asif Akbar reiterated that the decision is non-negotiable, highlighting that the safety of players remains the top priority for the board. Analysts note that this marks one of the strongest public stances by a cricket board regarding security concerns in India, and may influence the ICC’s planning for match venues in future international tournaments.
For now, Bangladesh has left open the possibility of participating in the World Cup at alternative venues approved by the ICC, ensuring that players can compete in a secure environment without facing threats or undue pressure.
