Overview
- Bangladesh’s board reiterated its demand to move group games from India to co-host Sri Lanka, citing player safety and national dignity after Mustafizur Rahman was released from KKR on BCCI instruction.
- The BCB says the ICC has committed to ensuring Bangladesh’s full participation and to considering its inputs in detailed security planning, and it rejects reports of any ultimatum to play or forfeit.
- Multiple outlets report the ICC has declined a venue change and pointed to the Members Playing Agreement, a characterization the BCB disputes in the absence of a public ICC statement.
- Bangladesh is scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai from February 7, with broadcast and operational commitments limiting late venue changes in the India–Sri Lanka hybrid event.
- BCB officials, including government adviser Asif Nazrul, maintain a firm stance as the second letter details specific security concerns, leaving negotiations under time pressure with the tournament weeks away.