The International Cricket Council (ICC) has firmly rejected claims of a security threat to the Bangladesh team for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, reiterating that the tournament schedule remains unchanged. This statement came on Monday, January 12, 2026, in response to assertions made by Bangladesh's sports advisor, Asif Nazrul.
ICC's Firm Rebuttal to Bangladesh's Claims
Bangladesh's sports advisor, Asif Nazrul, had earlier claimed that an ICC security assessment flagged concerns, suggesting the situation was not conducive for the team to travel to India for the tournament, which begins in less than a month. However, sources within the ICC have strongly refuted this characterization. They clarified that the independent risk assessments, conducted by globally recognised security experts, do not conclude that Bangladesh cannot play its scheduled matches in India.
An ICC source stated that the overall security risk for the tournament in India has been assessed as "low to moderate," a profile consistent with many major international sporting events. The source emphasised, "The assessments did not identify any specific or direct threat to the Bangladesh team, team officials, or match venues in India."
No Change to Itinerary, Ball in Bangladesh's Court
The world body expressed full confidence in the security arrangements being developed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Indian authorities, praising their strong track record of safely hosting major events. The ICC made it clear there is no chance of any alteration to the T20 World Cup itinerary, effectively putting the decision to participate back in Bangladesh's court.
"The ICC's position remains unchanged. The match schedule has been finalised and published, and the ICC expects all participating teams to meet their obligations under the Terms of Participation," the source added. Bangladesh is scheduled to play its matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.
BCB Distances Itself, Nazrul Stands Firm
In a significant development, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issued an official release distancing itself from its advisor's claims. The BCB stated that the assessment cited by Nazrul was part of an internal communication with the ICC's Security Department and does not constitute a formal response to Bangladesh's request to relocate matches outside India. The Board confirmed it is still awaiting an official reply on the matter.
Despite the BCB's stance, Asif Nazrul remained adamant. He had earlier cited an "extreme communal environment" in India over the past 16 months and claimed that the risk would increase if pacer Mustafizur Rahman—briefly acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL auction—was included in the squad, or if Bangladeshi supporters moved around in team jerseys with state Assembly elections looming. "We will not make any concessions on this issue," Nazrul stressed.
ICC sources clarified that the risk assessment is a routine procedure for contingency planning, considering a broad range of hypothetical scenarios. "These scenarios are not statements of fact, instructions, or expectations," they said, adding that the ICC has never suggested teams should select or exclude players, restrict supporters from wearing colours, or alter domestic processes for an event.
The ICC concluded by stating that the security plan remains under continuous review, with ongoing consultation with all participating members, including the BCB, to ensure the safety and integrity of the T20 World Cup.
