Protest Letter
28th January 2026
To
ICC – International Cricket Council
Subject: Bangladesh being the victim of BCCI’s dirty politics.
This letter is to protest the ICC’s decision that forced BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) to withdraw from the T20 World Cup 2026. BCB demanded that ICC choose a host for the T20 World Cup 2026 that would ensure the security of Bangladesh’s cricketers. The concern raised by a recent comment from BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), which asked KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) to remove Mustafizur Rahman, a Bangladeshi cricketer. BCCI is unable to ensure M. Rahman’s safety during IPL (Indian Premier League) in India, according to BCCI. Following that, BCB raised a valid concern with ICC: if BCCI cannot ensure the players’ security during its domestic league (IPL), then how will it ensure the players’ security in international tournaments organized by ICC?
In addition, BCB considers BCCI’s remark on M. Rahman to be targeting behaviour on players of Bangladeshi origin. Although BCCI has every right to decide who plays in its domestic league (IPL), I do not like cricketers playing in foreign domestic leagues. However, ICC should have withdrawn its recognition from IPL after BCCI’s remark.
BCB takes its players’ dignity and safety seriously. Since BCCI failed to provide security to Mustafizur R. during the IPL, BCB’s decision not to play in India is justified.
The people of Bangladesh have been familiar with cricket since the Victorian era. Bangladesh won the ICC trophy in 1997 and has played in every major cricket event since then. Bangladesh takes part in Women’s cricket and Under-19 Cricket as well. Bangladesh has been a member of the Test-playing nations since 2000. Bangladesh hosted many ICC tournaments, including the 1998 ICC Knock Out Trophy & co-organised the World Cup 2011.
The 160 million people of Bangladesh play and admire cricket. Bangladesh is a massive market for ICC. BCCI’s targeting of Bangladeshi cricketers will make the ICC lose its global audience, including in Bangladesh.
We, the Cricket fans, demand that the ICC scrutinise the concerns raised by the BCB for the sake of cricket and its future growth.
Yours sincerely,
Ohidul Islam (Opu)