Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser, firmly opposes playing T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, citing security risks and national dignity concerns after Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL release; demands venue shift to Sri Lanka amid ongoing ICC talks.
Domain: SportsSection: CricketHome Title:
Meet Asif Nazrul: Bangladesh’s Sports Advisor Who Refused Playing T20 World Cup 2026 In India At Cost Of National Dignity; Wrote To ICC, Always Kept Anti India Approach; Unfazed By Attacks At Bangladeshi Hindus
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Unlike former officials, Nazrul brings legal authority, academic credibility, and government power together—making his statements more than just rhetoric. Bangladesh is set to send another letter to the ICC. Nazrul confirmed that the final decision will depend on the ICC’s response, but the core principle remains unchanged: no compromise on safety, honour, and dignity.
Nazrul’s stance highlights how cricket, diplomacy, and national policy intersect in South Asia. His comments show that sports decisions are now being framed through security and sovereignty.
While rejecting travel to India, Nazrul made it clear that Bangladesh still wants to play the World Cup—preferably in Sri Lanka, the tournament’s co-host.
Nazrul cited the release of Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 squad as evidence of an unsafe environment, calling it both a security concern and a matter of national humiliation.
Nazrul held detailed discussions with Bangladesh Cricket Board officials, including Aminul Islam Bulbul and Faruque Ahmed, before reiterating the government’s firm position.
Despite assurances from the ICC regarding security planning and “uninterrupted participation,” Nazrul said the governing body failed to grasp the seriousness of the situation raised by Bangladesh.
Nazrul’s statement struck a strong nationalistic tone:
“But we do not want to play the World Cup at the cost of national humiliation, the security of our cricketers, or the dignity of Bangladesh.”
Nazrul grabbed international attention after firmly stating that Bangladesh would not play its T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India if security and national dignity are compromised.
As of early 2026, Asif Nazrul holds the portfolio of Youth and Sports Adviser in the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, placing him directly in charge of sports policy and international cricket matters.
Nazrul is a professor of law at the University of Dhaka and was appointed as an adviser in Bangladesh’s interim government in August 2024. His transition from academia to governance has given his public statements significant political weight.
Asif Nazrul is one of Bangladesh’s most influential public intellectuals—known as a legal scholar, writer, columnist, and now a key voice in national policymaking. In January 2026, his remarks on cricket diplomacy put him firmly in the global spotlight.
Authored By: Varul ChaturvediPublish Later: NoPublish At: Thursday, January 8, 2026 – 16:48Mobile Title: Meet Asif Nazrul: Bangladesh Advisor Refusing T20 WC 2026 In Ind Over DignityCreated By: Varul ChaturvediUpdated By: Varul ChaturvediPublished By: Varul ChaturvediRequest Count: 1
