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Key Takeaways
- 1📊 ICC assessment rates Bangladesh security risk as low to moderate, consistent with global sporting events
- 2🏆 No specific or direct threat identified to Bangladesh team, officials, or match venues in India
- 3💡 Bangladesh's claims about Mustafizur Rahman and fan safety misrepresent routine security contingency planning
- 4🔮 ICC unlikely to relocate matches; tournament begins February 7 with Bangladesh fixtures in Kolkata and Mumbai
"It is learnt that an independent agency, engaged by ICC, has concluded that the overall security risk for the Bangladesh team is virtually nil"
The standoff between the ICC and Bangladesh Cricket Board over hosting arrangements for the 2026 T20 World Cup has taken a decisive turn, with independent security experts commissioned by the world body finding no credible threat to the Litton Das-led side in India.
The ICC's security assessment, shared with the BCB last week, concluded that the overall risk for the tournament is low to moderate—a standard categorization for major global sporting events. Risk levels at Bangladesh's scheduled venues in Kolkata and Mumbai have been assessed as low, with no indication of threats that cannot be managed through established security protocols.
The Misinterpretation Row
Bangladesh sports adviser Asif Nazrul claimed the ICC assessment validated concerns about three factors: star pacer Mustafizur Rahman's inclusion in the squad, fans wearing Bangladesh jerseys in public, and the timing coinciding with domestic elections. However, the ICC clarified that its security assessment is not a statement of fact regarding team selection, supporter behavior, or political processes.
"The ICC's independent risk assessments do not conclude that Bangladesh cannot play its scheduled matches in India." — ICC Source
The BCB has formally requested relocation of matches outside India, citing deteriorating bilateral relations and the controversial removal of Mustafizur from Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2026 squad. Bangladesh subsequently banned IPL broadcasts in the country. However, the ICC maintains that the match schedule is finalized and all participating teams must meet their participation obligations. The tournament begins February 7, with Bangladesh scheduled to play three group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
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