WEB DESK: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India is unsafe for its national team, presenting security threat evidence and requesting the relocation of scheduled matches to Sri Lanka.
BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury confirmed the email was sent on January 8, urging the ICC to shift fixtures hosted in India to a neutral venue. Legal counsel Barrister Mahin Rahman stated the email included around 100 links to reports and articles documenting credible threats against Bangladeshi players.
Rahman noted the BCCI’s acknowledgment of security concerns by withdrawing Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, emphasizing that if one player is considered unsafe, an entire team cannot be guaranteed security in India. He stated hosting matches in India could jeopardize the safety of players, support staff, officials, journalists, and sponsors.
The BCB suggested relocating group matches to Sri Lanka as an alternative, accommodating tournament requirements. It also highlighted public threats from Indian political and religious figures targeting Bangladeshi cricketers, citing statements from Maharashtra politicians and religious leaders.
Tensions rose following allegations of minority persecution in Bangladesh, leading to hostile rhetoric in India, including threats against Mustafizur. Following his withdrawal from the IPL due to safety concerns, the BCB reiterated its position to the ICC on January 4, emphasizing unresolved security risks.
