ICC cites Mustafizur's inclusion as a security risk for Bangladesh Team in T20 World Cup: Asif Nazrul

Asif Nazrul, Adviser for Youth and Sports in Bangladesh's interim government, said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has sent a letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) from its security department. 

The letter identifies three factors that could heighten security risks for the Bangladesh team during the T20 World Cup matches scheduled in India.

These include: The inclusion of left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman in the Bangladesh squad; Bangladesh fans wearing the national team jersey while moving around; and the proximity of the tournament to Bangladesh's upcoming national elections, with risks increasing as the election date nears.

Speaking at a press conference at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) building on Monday, Nazrul described the ICC's reasoning as "bizarre and unreasonable." 

He argued that expecting Bangladesh to assemble a competitive World Cup squad without its premier bowler is entirely unrealistic.

"The ICC's letter lists these three points as increasing security risks," Nazrul said. 

"But if they demand we exclude our best bowler, ban fans from wearing the jersey, and postpone national elections just to play cricket, these expectations are beyond absurd."

He further asserted that playing cricket in India has become impossible due to what he called a "violent communal situation" and an "anti-Bangladesh atmosphere," fuelled by a 16-month campaign. 

The ICC's letter, particularly the mention of Mustafizur, has only confirmed this, he added.

Nazrul emphasised that no single nation should hold a monopoly over cricket. If the ICC truly operates as a global body, it must prioritise Bangladesh's interests and allow the team's matches to be relocated to Sri Lanka without yielding to India's stance.

"We will not compromise on this," he stated. 

"When the ICC itself says Mustafiz should not play, what stronger evidence is there that there is no safe playing environment for our team in India?"

This stance follows earlier tensions, including Mustafizur Rahman's release from Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2026 squad on BCCI instructions, which Bangladesh cited as proof of unsafe conditions. 

The BCB has repeatedly requested a venue shift to Sri Lanka, though the ICC.