‘If One Player Isn’t, How Will the Team Be Safe’

BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul expect a fair and reasonable response.

Uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India has deepened, with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul indicating that the country could take a hard stance—even withdrawing from the tournament—if issues of security and dignity are not adequately addressed.

On Wednesday (January 7) BCB president Speaking to the media after a meeting with senior government policy makers at the Secretariat, he openly questioned India’s ability to ensure security for the Bangladesh team.

Following discussions at the Ministry of Law, Bulbul made it clear that ensuring the safety of players, fans, and all stakeholders remains the board’s top priority.

“Our fight is for the right to security and protection,” he said. “We have played many World Cups before, and never raised such concerns. This time, however, there are valid reasons behind our stance.”

Mustafizur Issue Raises Serious Questions
The BCB president directly pointed to what he termed India’s contradictory position on security. Raising a sharp question, Bulbul said, “If India cannot guarantee the security of even one player (Mustafizur Rahman), how can it ensure the safety of an entire cricket team and everyone associated with it?”

According to him, if the IPL is not considered safe for a single Bangladeshi cricketer, there is little reason to believe that a full-fledged national team tour would be secure.

Concerns Extend Beyond Players
Bulbul stressed that the issue goes beyond the 11 players on the field. “This involves a large contingent—our journalists, sponsors, and thousands of fans,” he said. “We are consulting the government regarding the security of everyone involved.”

When asked whether Bangladesh would withdraw from the World Cup if the ICC rejects the request to change venues, the BCB president cited precedents involving India and Pakistan.
“India did not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, and Pakistan has refused to tour India multiple times. We expect a fair and reasonable response,” he added.

Why the Uncertainty Has Emerged?
The current tension stems from the recent exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, reportedly on security grounds, following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to Kolkata Knight Riders. The same security concerns cited by India are now being used by the BCB as the basis for its position.

Bangladesh were scheduled to play all four of their group-stage matches of the upcoming T20 World Cup on Indian soil. However, in light of the evolving situation, the BCB has already formally requested the ICC to shift Bangladesh’s matches away from India.

crifosports/7January26/AZ