New Delhi, Jan 12 (NationPress) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has downplayed worries regarding Bangladesh's involvement in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, asserting that there is no specific or unmanageable risk to the Bangladesh cricket squad amid the current Mustafizur Rahman issue.

Independent evaluations performed by the ICC indicate a general assessment of low to moderate risk levels related to the event in India, highlighting that there are no particular or direct threats to the Bangladesh team, its officials, or any of the venues.

"The ICC acknowledges the public comments made recently about Bangladesh's participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which include selective references to its security risk assessment. It is crucial to clarify that the ICC’s independent risk assessments, carried out by globally recognized security specialists, do not determine that Bangladesh cannot proceed with its planned matches in India," an ICC source informed IANS.

"The overall security risk for the tournament in India has been evaluated as low to moderate, consistent with the profiles of many major global sporting events. The assessments revealed no distinctive or direct threats to the Bangladesh team, officials, or match venues in India.

India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the T20 World Cup 2026, commencing on February 7. However, the Bangladesh cricket board has requested the ICC to move its matches to Sri Lanka due to security concerns, arising from escalating tensions between the two neighboring nations. The BCB also noted that they received a response from the ICC, which assured them that the matter would be examined.

The ICC confirmed that the security evaluations for matches in Kolkata and Mumbai are also categorized as low to moderate, and the identified risks can be managed through standard mitigation measures established for all events.

"Professional advice received indicated that the risks associated with Bangladesh's scheduled matches in Kolkata and Mumbai are assessed as low to moderate, with no signs of unmanageable risks through established security measures," said the source.

Moreover, the ICC clarified that some media reports regarding contingency planning misrepresented routine contingency planning and should not be interpreted as increased security concerns.

"Certain media reports have misconstrued contingency planning as actual risk rather than conclusions. Such scenario planning is standard to ensure preparedness for all eventualities, however remote," they added.

"As is customary in professional security assessments, a wide range of hypothetical scenarios are considered to ensure readiness. These scenarios do not constitute factual statements, directives, or expectations, nor do they dictate conditions set by the ICC concerning team selection, supporter behavior, or domestic political processes.

"The ICC wants to emphasize that it has never suggested, nor would it suggest, that any team should select or exclude players for security reasons, restrict supporters from donning national colors, or alter domestic democratic processes to participate in an ICC event.

The ICC expressed confidence in India’s ability to fulfill its obligations as a host and highlighted the collaborative security arrangements being developed with the BCCI and local authorities, citing India's strong track record in hosting major events.

"The ICC has full trust in the security protocols being developed in close cooperation with the BCCI and relevant local authorities, who possess an excellent reputation for safely conducting major international sporting events.

"As with all ICC events, the security strategy for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 remains under constant review. Participating members, including the Bangladesh Cricket Board, are being consulted throughout this process, and the ICC welcomes constructive dialogue and feedback to enhance arrangements where necessary.

"The ICC's position remains unchanged. The match schedule has been completed and published, and the ICC expects all participating teams to adhere to their obligations under the Terms of Participation. Meanwhile, the ICC will continue to interact with all stakeholders in a transparent, professional, and collaborative manner to ensure the safety, security, and integrity of the tournament.

Bangladesh is set to play three matches in India – against the West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14 in Kolkata – before heading to Mumbai to compete against Nepal on February 17.