'If Mustafizur Rahman is in team': Bangladesh claims ICC flagged security risks in India; global body calls it 'a complete lie'

Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Nazrul on Monday claimed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has acknowledged Bangladesh’s security concerns about travelling to India for the T20 World Cup.

Bangladesh have expressed reservations about touring India for the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on February 7. The team has requested that its matches be moved to co-host Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. This came after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following instructions from the BCCI, which cited unspecified "developments" for the decision.




"I need to inform you that the security team of the ICC and those in charge of security have sent a letter (to BCB). In that letter, it has been said that three things will increase the security threat to the Bangladesh team," Nazrul said at a press conference in Dhaka, as quoted by local newspaper Daily Star.

"One is if Mustafizur (Rahman) is included in the Bangladesh team. Two, if the supporters of the Bangladesh team walk around wearing the national jersey of Bangladesh. And the third is that the security threat of the Bangladesh team will increase as the (Bangladesh) elections approach," he added.

What ICC said

The ICC, while confirming that it has been in touch with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, denied Nazrul’s claim that it accepted Bangladesh’s concerns in the manner described.

Also read: Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches to remain in India
"There has been an internal communication from ICC to BCB with regards to security in India. But what Asif Nazrul said is a complete lie. ICC's communication never mentions that Mustafizur's selection will be an issue. It's complete falsehood...There is no such advisory in formal communication,” an ICC source was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8 across venues in India and Sri Lanka.

The BCB’s concerns followed Mustafizur’s release from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad amid reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.

As per the current schedule, Bangladesh are set to play their first three group matches in Kolkata, followed by their final group game in Mumbai.

After Mustafizur was released by KKR, the Bangladesh government also banned the broadcast of the Indian Premier League in the country.


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