Lalit Modi. (Photo Credits: X)
Former Indian Premier League (IPL) Commissioner Lalit Modi has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, asserting that India is a safe destination and urging the team not to politicise the issue.
Modi’s remarks come amid rising tensions between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over venue-related concerns.
Speaking to news agency IANS, Lalit Modi dismissed Bangladesh’s security concerns and encouraged them to honour the tournament schedule.
“Bangladesh should visit India, as the country is very safe. No visiting team has ever faced any such issue here, and there has never been an incident involving any sporting event. The government has always ensured security at all sporting events. There is no need to politicise the matter,” Modi said.
He further added that all participating teams would receive adequate protection.
“If Bangladesh want to participate, they should stick to the schedule. I am confident the Indian government will provide adequate security to all teams, as it always has,” he added.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board had formally requested the ICC to relocate their T20 World Cup matches from India, citing security concerns.
The controversy intensified after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its IPL squad ahead of the tournament, further straining relations.
The ICC Board rejected Bangladesh’s request to move matches out of India, stating that there was no credible security threat warranting such a change so close to the tournament.
The global cricket body maintained that altering the schedule at this stage would set a dangerous precedent and compromise future ICC events.
Despite this, the BCB reiterated on Thursday that they would not travel to India for the T20 World Cup.
Bangladesh accused the ICC of applying double standards, pointing out that the governing body had earlier accepted a similar request from the BCCI when India refused to send its men’s team to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
This comparison has further fuelled diplomatic and sporting tensions between the cricket boards.
Bangladesh Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul stated that the country did not receive justice from the ICC and is firm on its decision not to play in India.
He said Bangladesh would approach the ICC with a proposal to play their matches in Sri Lanka, criticising the ICC for issuing a 24-hour ultimatum and for allegedly misrepresenting Sri Lanka as co-hosts.
Responding to Bangladesh’s latest stance, the ICC reiterated that the T20 World Cup will proceed as scheduled, with Bangladesh’s matches set to be played in India.
The ICC Board noted that making venue changes without a proven security threat could undermine the credibility and stability of future international tournaments.
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
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