No Compromise on Security of Cricketers, Country's Dignity

Bangladesh will not revise its decision to avoid participating in the T20 World Cup in India due to security concerns, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said yesterday.

Speaking after a meeting at the secretariat, he said the government is confident it can present a strong and reasoned case to the International Cricket Council (ICC), stressing that the safety of Bangladeshi cricketers remains the top priority.

The meeting was attended by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul, along with board directors and officials from the Youth and Sports Ministry.

“We will not compromise on the security of our players, the safety of Bangladesh, or the dignity of the nation,” Asif Nazrul said. “We want to play cricket and we want to play the World Cup, but in another host country such as Sri Lanka.”

He reiterated that Bangladesh has no intention of travelling to India under the current circumstances.

Asif Nazrul said the authorities hope the ICC will consider Bangladesh’s position with sincerity and neutrality, noting that the team earned its World Cup qualification through hard work and deserves fair consideration.

Earlier, the BCB formally wrote to the ICC raising concerns over player safety in India and requested that Bangladesh’s matches be relocated to an alternative venue.

In response, the ICC said it would coordinate with the BCB and factor the board’s concerns into its security planning. However, Asif Nazrul said the reply fell short of addressing the seriousness of the issue.

“After reviewing the ICC’s letter, it is clear they have not fully understood the gravity of our security concerns,” he said, adding that the matter goes beyond safety and touches on national honor.

The issue gained further prominence after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, citing security considerations.

Asif Nazrul described the move as an implicit acknowledgment of the risks faced by Bangladeshi players in India.

“This clearly indicates that conditions are not safe for our players,” he said, reaffirming that Bangladesh’s position is based solely on security and dignity, with no room for compromise.

Asked what Bangladesh would do if the ICC rejects its request, Asif Nazrul said the immediate focus remains on convincing the governing body.

“Our primary objective is to persuade the ICC with strong arguments,” he said. “On matters of Bangladesh’s security, honor, and dignity, there will be no compromise.”

He added that Bangladesh remains eager to take part in the T20 World Cup, but decisions beyond the current stance will depend on how the situation evolves. A detailed letter outlining Bangladesh’s position is expected to be sent to the ICC by Wednesday night or Thursday morning.