BCB denies reports of ICC ultimatum, says constructive talks on to reach practical solution
The board confirmed that the ICC has formally responded to Bangladesh's concerns regarding the safety and security of the national team.
Highlights:
- BCB denies any ICC ultimatum
- Global body's communication cooperative
- Bangladesh requested to move matches to Sri Lanka
- Crisis sparked by pacer Mustafizur's forced exit from IPL
- BCB shifted from hardline boycott to "security well-being"
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) dismissed media reports today (7 January) claiming it had received an ultimatum from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding its participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, and said it will continue 'constructive engagement' with ICC for a T20 World Cup solution.
In an official statement, the board termed such reports as 'completely false and unfounded,' clarifying that the communication received from the global body was cooperative in nature.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The clarification comes amidst a deepening diplomatic and sporting crisis triggered by the exclusion of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, which led Bangladesh to request a venue change for their World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka citing security concerns.
"The BCB categorically states that such claims (of an ultimatum) do not reflect the nature or content of the communication received from the ICC," the media release read.
The board confirmed that the ICC has formally responded to Bangladesh's concerns regarding the safety and security of the national team.
According to the BCB, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring Bangladesh's 'full and uninterrupted participation' and has expressed a willingness to work closely with the board on detailed security planning.
The BCB emphasised that it would continue 'constructive engagement' with the ICC to reach an "affable and practical solution."
This diplomatic tone comes as a slight shift from the hardline stance seen earlier in the week, where government officials had signalled a potential boycott of the tournament if the venue was not changed.
However, the board reiterated that the safety and well-being of the players remain its highest priority.'
'Victory for Hindus'
The controversy began earlier on 3 January when KKR released Mustafizur following a BCCI directive triggered by political pressure. BJP leader Sangeet Som had praised the move as a "victory for Hindus," citing alleged violence against minorities in Bangladesh.
While the decision drew support from India's ruling party, it faced sharp criticism from opposition figures. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor termed the move "reprehensible," asking whether the player was being punished for his religion.
Following that, BCB decided on 4 January that the national cricket team will not go to India to participate in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
When asked about the matter, BCB Director Khaled Mashud Pilot told The Business Standard, "We have sent a letter to the ICC requesting that our match be moved from India to Sri Lanka.
"If they [India] cannot provide security to one of our players, how will they ensure the security of our entire team? That is why we will not go there to play."
Notably, last year in April, Bhabesh Chandra Roy, 55, was killed in Biral upazila of Dinajpur. The incident caused much rift between India and Bangladesh.
Claiming that the interim government protects the rights of all citizens irrespective of their religions, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on 19 April dismissed the claim of India over the death of Bhabesh Chandra Roy in Dinajpur.
