ICC Clarifies Bangladesh’s Concern, Says ‘Full Confidence In Security Arrangements In India’

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued an official clarification regarding reports suggesting security concerns over Bangladesh's participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, to be hosted by India.

The statement comes after several media outlets misrepresented parts of the ICC's internal security assessment, leading to confusion about whether Bangladesh would play its scheduled matches in India.

According to ICC sources, the council's independent security risk assessments, conducted by globally recognised experts, do not indicate any specific or direct threat to the Bangladesh team, its officials, or the match venues.

The ICC confirmed that the overall security risk for the tournament in India has been assessed as "low to moderate," which aligns with what is normally expected at large international sporting events.

No Threat to Bangladesh Fixtures, Says ICC

The ICC has made it clear that Bangladesh's matches in Kolkata and Mumbai will go ahead as planned. The organisation emphasized that these games have been evaluated as safe, and any potential risks can be effectively managed through existing security plans.

"The ICC's position remains unchanged. The schedule has been finalised and published, and all teams are expected to fulfil their commitments under the Terms of Participation," said an ICC source. The governing body also assured that it continues to work closely with all stakeholders, including the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), to ensure complete safety and transparency in the run-up to the tournament.

The ICC further expressed full confidence in the security arrangements being made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and local authorities, noting their proven record in successfully hosting major international cricket tournaments in the past.

ICC Denies Misinterpretations in Media Reports

Addressing recent media speculation, the ICC clarified that certain reports had misinterpreted contingency planning as evidence of actual security risks. The council explained that scenario-based planning is a routine part of risk management for all major global events, ensuring preparedness for even the most unlikely situations.

"These scenarios are not statements of fact or instructions to teams," said the ICC. "They are simply part of standard professional security practice to ensure readiness."
The ICC also stressed that it has never instructed or implied that any team should alter player selection, restrict fan attire, or modify domestic political processes due to security reasons.

Safety and Integrity Remain Top Priorities

Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the safety, security, and integrity of the T20 World Cup 2026, the ICC said that the event's security framework remains under continuous review. All participating nations, including Bangladesh, are being regularly consulted to make the tournament secure and successful.

The council reiterated that it is open to dialogue and collaboration with member boards and remains confident that the World Cup in India will proceed smoothly and safely, welcoming fans and teams from across the world.