Bangladesh has declined to issue a visa to a senior International Cricket Council (ICC) official of Indian origin, a move that has drawn attention amid growing regional tensions. According to Indian media reports, a two-member ICC delegation was scheduled to visit Bangladesh to hold discussions regarding tournament venues. The delegation included Andrew Ephgrave, the ICC’s Head of Anti-Corruption and Security, and Sanjog Gupta, a senior ICC chief executive officer from India.
Reports indicate that Bangladeshi authorities approved a visa for Ephgrave but denied entry to the Indian official. As a result, Ephgrave is expected to travel to Bangladesh alone for a two-day visit, where he will be tasked with conducting the discussions independently. The visit was intended to reassure Bangladeshi authorities that their players would remain safe while traveling to India for the upcoming tournament.
However, Bangladesh has adopted a firm position, pointing to the prevailing political environment and security-related concerns. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally asked the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s group-stage matches from India to Sri Lanka. According to the BCB, the concerns extend beyond standard security arrangements and are closely linked to wider diplomatic strains between Dhaka and New Delhi.
The situation has become more complex following recent developments involving fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. Tensions reportedly escalated after he was released from his Indian Premier League (IPL) contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders, allegedly following a recommendation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In response, the broadcast of the IPL was banned in Bangladesh.
The BCB has cited this episode as additional proof that the safety and stability of Bangladeshi players in India cannot be fully assured. Despite these concerns, the ICC has so far rejected Bangladesh’s request to move matches to Sri Lanka. Instead, it has suggested alternative venues within India, including Chennai.
Also Read: T20 World Cup Tension: Bangladesh Rejects India as Venue
Bangladesh remains unconvinced by these proposals, raising the possibility of extreme measures such as a boycott or the tournament proceeding without the participation of one of Asia’s major cricketing nations.
