Bangladesh has refused to issue a visa to a senior International Cricket Council (ICC) official of Indian origin.
According to Indian media reports, a two-member ICC delegation was scheduled to visit Bangladesh to discuss tournament venues. The delegation included ICC Head of Anti-Corruption and Security Andrew Ephgrave and Sanjog Gupta, a senior ICC chief executive officer from India.
Reports say that Bangladesh granted a visa only to Andrew Epgrave, while the Indian official was denied entry. Indian media further reported that Ephgrave is expected to arrive in Bangladesh today for a two-day visit and will have to conduct the sensitive negotiations alone.
The purpose of the ICC delegation’s visit was to reassure Bangladesh that its players would be safe if they traveled to India for the tournament.
However, Bangladesh has taken a firm stance, citing the current political climate and security concerns. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested the ICC to move Bangladesh’s group-stage matches from India to Sri Lanka.
The BCB further argues that the risks go beyond routine security issues and are linked to broader diplomatic tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi.
The situation has been further complicated by recent developments involving fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. Tensions increased after he was released from the Indian Premier League (IPL) by Kolkata Knight Riders following a suggestion from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
This decision led to the IPL broadcast being banned in Bangladesh. The BCB has cited this incident as further evidence that the safety and stability of Bangladeshi players in India cannot be guaranteed.
The ICC has so far rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift matches to Sri Lanka and has instead proposed alternative venues within India, including Chennai. However, Bangladesh remains unconvinced, raising the possibility of a boycott or a World Cup proceeding without one of Asia’s major teams.
