Bangladesh submits security evidence to ICC, seeks India match shift

Bangladesh submits security evidence to ICC, seeks India match shift

Bangladesh has submitted security evidence to ICC seeking India match shift. File photo

January, 9 2026

DHAKA (Web Desk): Bangladesh submited security evidence to the International Cricket Council (ICC), raising fresh questions over India-hosted matches and pushing for a venue change.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has formally shared what it calls concrete security evidence with the International Cricket Council, demanding that Bangladesh’s matches be moved away from India ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.

Bangladeshi media reported that the BCB sent a detailed letter to the ICC, responding to the council’s request for proof after Bangladesh sought relocation of its World Cup fixtures.

According to reports, the BCB’s legal adviser emailed nearly 100 links to the ICC. These included television reports, YouTube videos, and newspaper clippings highlighting alleged risks to Bangladeshi players.

The legal adviser said the material was meant to show serious threats to player safety. “One player is not safe, so how can the entire squad be considered safe?” he said, stressing the gravity of the concern.

The board has formally asked that Bangladesh’s matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, where part of the tournament is also scheduled. The ICC T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, with games planned in India and Sri Lanka.

Earlier, BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul reiterated the board’s refusal to tour India after meeting Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul. Nazrul said the government would not compromise on “national honour or the security of our cricketers”.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain backed the stance, saying Bangladesh would “certainly play outside India”, with player safety as the key reason.

Former captain Tamim Iqbal urged caution, advising dialogue over public statements. He noted that most of Bangladesh cricket’s income comes from the ICC and said decisions should protect the sport’s long-term future.

The BCB is now waiting for the ICC’s response, which will decide whether Bangladesh play the tournament as planned.

Security concerns have moved from talk to formal action. The ICC now faces pressure to decide quickly. The outcome could reshape the tournament schedule.