ICC Warning, Security Concerns Rise Over Mustafizur and Supporters

As the upcoming T20 World Cup approaches, security concerns surrounding Bangladesh have reached a new level. The International Cricket Council (ICC) Security Department has sent a letter specifically warning that Bangladesh’s security risk could increase if Mustafizur Rahman is included in the squad.

Asif Nazrul, Interim Advisor on Youth and Sports for the Government of Bangladesh, confirmed the matter. He stated that Bangladesh has already sent an official letter to the ICC and is now awaiting the organization’s response.

Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Advisor, said:

“We have written to the ICC. We are now expecting their reply. Meanwhile, a letter has come from ICC’s security team, highlighting certain areas of concern.”

The letter outlines three issues that could significantly raise security risks for Bangladesh. First, if Mustafizur Rahman is included in the squad. Second, if the country’s supporters wear the national team jersey in public. Third, the closer the country moves towards elections, the higher the potential security risk for the team.

On this, Asif Nazrul commented:

“Nothing could be more absurd or unrealistic than this.”

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s position on venue changes remains clear. No decision has been made regarding hosting matches in Kolkata, India, the advisor clarified.

Asif Nazrul said:

“Bangladesh has never specifically requested moving matches from Kolkata. We have only said that the matches should be held in Sri Lanka or any other safe location. So, if India or the ICC makes any other plan, Bangladesh will not accept it.”

Bangladesh is open to hosting matches in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, or the United Arab Emirates. Asif Nazrul added:

“There are two venues in India. India is India. If our request to change from Kolkata to Sri Lanka is accepted, that’s fine. Hosting in Pakistan is also fine, UAE is fine. But the matches should not be held in a country where the safety of our players is not guaranteed.”