No independent security basis to move Bangladesh games out of India

Even as the standoff between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) continues over the latter's demand to move their T20 World Cup 2026 games out of India, information has emerged that no independent security assessment has found any credible threat to the Bangladesh contingent in India.

In fact, an independent agency, engaged by the world body, has concluded that the overall security risk for the Litton Das-led side is virtually nil. More precisely, the threat perception for them has been assessed as normal, as in the case for any ICC event involving any team.

"It is important to clarify that the ICC's independent risk assessments, carried out by internationally recognised security experts, do not conclude that Bangladesh cannot play its scheduled matches in India," a highly-placed source, conversant with the development, reveals.

"The overall security risk for the tournament in India has been assessed as low to moderate, which is consistent with the profile of many major global sporting events."

Sources say the ICC is aware of the statements from the Bangladesh camp. One of its officials has, in fact, spoken about risks for his players in India. Contrary to the claim, there is no evidence of a direct threat to them in Kolkata and Mumbai, where Bangladesh are scheduled to play their four league games.

"The ICC is aware of public comments made in recent days concerning the participation of Bangladesh in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, including selective references to the ICC's security risk assessment. The assessments did not identify any specific or direct threat to the Bangladesh team, team officials, or match venues in India.

"Based on the professional advice received, the risk associated with Bangladesh's scheduled fixtures in Kolkata and Mumbai is assessed as low to moderate, with no indication of risks that cannot be effectively managed through established security planning and mitigation measures."

It is understood that the ICC's position on the issues has not changed which, effectively, means Bangladesh's schedule - dates and venues - remain unchanged. While ICC continues to engage with all stakeholders, including, with regard to safety, security and integrity of the tournament, it has also reminded the BCB of their obligation of Terms of Participation.

Meanwhile, it has been found that some reports from Bangladesh have misinterpreted contingency planning as being an actual risk. Such scenario planning is, in fact, routine in order to ensure preparedness and consider all eventualities, however remote. As is standard practice in professional security assessments, a broad range of hypothetical scenarios is considered to ensure preparedness.

"These scenarios are not statements of fact, instructions, or expectations, nor do they represent conditions set by the ICC regarding team selection, supporter behaviour, or domestic political processes," sources said.

There were also claims that the ICC had asked the BCB not to select Mustafizur Rahman because of security concerns and that the Bangladesh fans should avoid wearing the national jersey in India. Sources clarified to Cricbuzz that as a matter of policy, the ICC does not tell any board to select or exclude players for security reasons or advice supporters on their choice of attire.

"The ICC has full confidence in the security arrangements being developed in close collaboration with the BCCI and relevant local authorities, who have a strong and proven track record of safely delivering major international sporting events," the sources reiterated.

As is normal practice with all the ICC events, the world body undertakes security assessment for all global events and the upcoming T20 World Cup is no different in this context. The ICC also engages all participating members and the BCB is also part of that process and is being consulted. "The ICC remains open to constructive dialogue and feedback to further strengthen arrangements where appropriate," the source added.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play three Group C matches in Kolkata, against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14, before facing Nepal in Mumbai on February 17. On Sunday, Cricbuzz reported that the ICC is exploring Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram as potential alternatives for the Bangladesh games.