By Admin 
There is less than a month left for the start of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, but the controversy regarding the group stage matches of the Bangladesh team is not showing any signs of stopping. Bangladesh has to play four of its matches in India, out of which three matches are to be played in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. However, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed objection to playing in India citing security reasons. Meanwhile, a report in Geo Super has claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now shown interest in hosting Bangladesh’s matches.
Open stance regarding Pakistan and UAE
After this, the statement of Bangladesh’s sports advisor Asif Nazrul further fueled the controversy. Nazrul said on Wednesday, “Bangladesh’s problem is not about playing in any one city but in the whole of India. If the venue is changed from India to Sri Lanka, then there is no problem in it. I have seen a report, I do not know how true it is. However, it has been claimed that Pakistan is ready to host our matches. Even if our matches are played in Pakistan or UAE, we have no problem.”
Claim on ICC security report
Asif Nazrul claimed that the ICC security team has sent a letter to the BCB, in which it has been said that under certain circumstances the danger to the Bangladesh team may increase. According to him, if Mustafizur Rahman joins the team, Bangladeshi supporters are present in the stadium wearing national jersey, and the atmosphere remains heated due to the upcoming elections in India, then the security risk may increase. Nazrul called it a strong signal against Bangladesh playing in India.
ICC rejected the claims
However, ICC has rejected these claims of Bangladesh government. According to ICC sources, an independent assessment conducted by international security experts has placed the security risk during the tournament in India in the ‘low to moderate’ category. The ICC clearly stated that no direct or serious threat has been found to the Bangladesh team, players or match venues and all risks can be handled with the existing security arrangements.
Where did the controversy start?
Actually, this entire controversy started when Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released from IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders on the instructions of BCCI. After this, Bangladesh Board demanded ICC to shift its matches to some other country outside India. BCB’s preference has been to look at Sri Lanka, which is also the co-host of this tournament, as an alternative venue.