T20 World Cup 2026: ICC Rejects Bangladesh’s Safety Fears About India

New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has indicated that it is unlikely to accept the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) demand to shift the Bangladesh team's 2026 T20 World Cup matches away from India. According to ICC officials, no serious security threat has been found in India.

Why has ICC rated security 'low'?

According to an independent security assessment report prepared by the ICC, there is no direct or serious threat to the Bangladesh team or officials during the T20 World Cup in India. The report placed the risk in the 'low to moderate' category, as is typical for major global sporting events. On this basis, it has been decided that matches will be played in India only.

What concerns were raised by Bangladesh?

Bangladesh Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul had claimed that the ICC security team has raised some points in its report that could make it difficult for the Bangladesh team to play in India, especially if the team includes star bowler Mustafizur Rahman and supporters come to India wearing team jerseys. ICC has rejected this claim.

Are there changes in the venue of matches?

ICC sources have said that there is little possibility of any change in the current schedule, and Bangladesh's four scheduled matches will be held in India only. It is clear that Veena or cities like Chennai or Thiruvananthapuram have been considered as proposed options, but there is no news of its approval at this time.

Talks continue between BCB and ICC

Although ICC's stance is clear, contacts and talks are ongoing between BCB and ICC. ICC has taken feedback from other teams, including BCB, in this process and has asked them to work on preparations to strengthen the security arrangements.

Amidst this controversy, the discussion regarding the support and security of the Bangladesh team continues in the cricket world, but till now the ICC has clearly stated that no formal decision has been taken to change the match venues in India.