The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday formally sent a second communication to the ICC, highlighting security concerns about traveling to India for the T20 World Cup while reiterating its request to shift venues to Sri Lanka. The tournament starts on February 7, with Bangladesh scheduled to play four games—three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. The team has refused to travel to India following the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL on BCCI instructions, citing unspecified “developments all around” as justification.

“Following discussions with sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul, the BCB has once again sent a communication to the ICC. The ICC wanted to know areas of concern with regard to security, and the BCB has cited them,” a source close to the board told PTI on condition of anonymity.

The source did not elaborate on the specifics of the letter. The development comes amid ongoing back-and-forth between the BCB and ICC over Bangladesh's participation. The ICC has remained silent so far, seeking clarity on the exact nature of the security concerns raised by the Dhaka-based board.

The BCB is reportedly divided on the issue. One faction supports Asif Nazrul's hardline stance, while another favors keeping channels open with the ICC and Indian authorities, emphasizing the need for enhanced security arrangements for the team during its stay in India.

Nazrul, known for his past criticism of India, is believed to have taken a more uncompromising position—a marked departure from the BCB's traditionally cordial relationship with the BCCI.

Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain confirmed that the team will not travel to India for the World Cup, backing Nazrul’s stance for safety reasons and calling for matches to be relocated to co-host Sri Lanka. “We will certainly play outside India,” Touhid said, adding that both players and supporters would have to travel to India and that the government must consider their security.

Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL release followed incidents involving attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. As of now, the ICC has not indicated any decision to move Bangladesh’s matches from Kolkata and Mumbai to Colombo, though the BCB asserts that the ICC has shown willingness to work with it to assess the security concerns.