BCB to approach ICC on T20 World Cup security after Mustafizur's IPL omission

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will write to the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking clarity on security arrangements for players, fans, media, and sponsors during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The board will also approach the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for a formal explanation regarding the exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders' squad ahead of the upcoming IPL season.

These decisions were made at an emergency BCB directors' meeting in Sylhet, following concerns over Mustafizur's omission. The BCCI had instructed KKR to release the Bangladesh pacer, which the franchise complied with, without providing a detailed explanation.

The development has triggered widespread reaction in Bangladesh, with members of the cricket fraternity and others urging the BCB to reconsider playing their World Cup group matches in India. BCB officials noted the sentiment stems from concerns that if adequate protection could not be assured for a single player, questions naturally arise over the safety of an entire touring contingent.

A top BCB official stated: "We are sending a letter to the ICC with three clauses. Firstly, we would like to know about Mustafizur's exclusion from the IPL. Secondly, what is the security plan for us in the World Cup? Not only players will travel to India, but media, fans, and sponsors will also be there. What will be their security status?"

Bangladesh will begin their T20 World Cup campaign on the tournament's opening day, February 7. They are in Group C alongside West Indies, England, Nepal, and Italy. Their schedule is as follows:

• February 7: vs West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• February 9: vs Italy at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• February 14: vs England in Kolkata
• February 17: vs Nepal in Mumbai

Separately, the BCB will seek clarity from the BCCI on the circumstances leading to Mustafizur's removal from KKR's squad. "We are also sending an email to the BCCI to know the exact picture of why Mustafizur was excluded," the official said.

Mustafizur attracted strong interest at the IPL auction, with multiple franchises bidding for the 30-year-old before KKR secured him for INR 9.2 crore. The Bangladesh international has previously played for Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.