T20 World Cup Row intensified after Bangladesh signalled it may not participate in the proposed T20 World Cup in India. Bangladesh sports adviser and minister Asif Nazrul said the current situation makes playing in India unsafe for players and damaging to national dignity.
Nazrul stated that Bangladesh wants to play the World Cup but not at the cost of security risks or national honour. He said he discussed the issue in detail with Bangladesh Cricket Board directors. The meeting concluded that Bangladesh earned its World Cup qualification through hard work and public support.
Nazrul stressed that Bangladesh is a cricket-loving nation. He said the country cannot risk the safety of players, fans, and journalists. He also said Bangladesh will not compromise its national respect under any circumstances.
According to Nazrul, an ICC communication revealed serious gaps in understanding India’s security situation. He claimed the BCCI admitted it could not guarantee security for one Bangladeshi player. That admission, he said, raised serious concerns.
The minister clarified he does not wish to comment on communal issues. However, he said player safety and national pride remain non-negotiable. Bangladesh plans to formally convey its position to the ICC.
The controversy emerges amid strained BCCI–BCB relations. Recently, IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman. Political tensions have also risen in India over reports of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
The issue now places the ICC under pressure to address security assurances before finalising tournament arrangements.
