Dhaka, Jan 7 (NationPress)  The sports advisor for the Bangladesh government, Asif Nazrul, expressed his commitment to persuading the International Cricket Council (ICC) to change the venues for the country's matches, criticizing the governing body for its lack of understanding regarding the current situation.

This statement arises amid increasing tensions between India and Bangladesh. On Monday, the government of Bangladesh mandated the halt of broadcasts for all upcoming matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to the ongoing controversy involving Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman.

"We convened with the directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)—Aminul Islam, Faruque bhai, and others. Our discussions today concluded that Bangladesh has rightfully qualified for the T20 World Cup through diligent efforts. We are a nation passionate about cricket, and we are eager to play," Nazrul stated, as reported by Cricbuzz.

"However, we refuse to participate in the World Cup at the expense of national embarrassment, the safety of our cricketers, spectators, journalists, or the dignity of our country. After reviewing the letter we received from the ICC today, we feel they have not fully grasped the critical security conditions that have emerged in India concerning Bangladeshi cricketers," he added.

The decision follows Rahman's release from the IPL after directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which has sparked significant debate and backlash in Bangladesh.

In light of Rahman's release, the BCB held an urgent board meeting and has reached out to the ICC requesting the relocation of Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup from India, citing safety and security apprehensions.

"This is not merely a security issue; it also represents a matter of national disgrace. Nevertheless, we prioritize this as a security concern. When the Indian cricket board itself informs the Kolkata team that they cannot ensure security for this player (Mustafizur) and advises them to exclude him from the team, it clearly indicates that the environment in India is not safe for play," he remarked.

"We prefer not to delve into the broader communal issues in India. However, regarding the safety of our cricketers, the security of Bangladesh, and the respect and dignity of our nation—there will be no compromises. We want to play cricket, we want to participate in the World Cup, and with another host country available, Sri Lanka, we firmly wish to play there."

Previously, the BCB clarified that the ICC has assured them of Bangladesh’s ongoing and unhindered participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, firmly refuting media claims suggesting the Board was given an ultimatum.

In a statement released after formal communication with the ICC, the BCB stated that the world governing body acknowledged their concerns about the safety and security of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team in India and their request for match relocation. According to the BCB, the ICC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Bangladesh’s participation and expressed willingness to work closely with the Board on security issues.

"Why are we steadfast in this position? We anticipate being able to convey this to the ICC. We hope that the ICC will evaluate our arguments with impartiality and allow us to play in the T20 World Cup that we have rightfully earned through hard work," he concluded.

"Our primary goal is to convince the ICC. We possess compelling arguments and intend to present them effectively. The core principle of our stance is that there will be no compromise when it comes to the security of Bangladesh, its honour, and its dignity. Nevertheless, we are eager to participate in the Cricket World Cup," Nazrul stated.