As a devoted cricket follower I believe international tournaments must prioritise the safety and peace of mind of players, journalists,  support staff and Bangladesh supporters above all other considerations. Cricket is a global sport that unites millions, and its integrity depends on ensuring that no participant feels unsafe or pressured while taking part.

In recent months, several developments have heightened security-related concerns among Bangladeshi players, media personnel, and fans. These concerns are not abstract or hypothetical; they stem from real-world developments and the broader security climate surrounding cross-border sporting engagements.

In this context, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally requested a change of venue for Bangladesh’s matches in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, citing safety considerations for players, team officials, journalists, and supporters. Despite this, the International Cricket Council (ICC) upheld the original venue allocation, stating that no credible security threat exists and indicating that Bangladesh would be required to participate as scheduled.

However, security in international sport cannot be determined solely through administrative decisions or internal voting processes. Safety is not just an assessment on paper—it is also about perception, mental well-being, and confidence on the ground. When a participating nation genuinely believes that its people may be at risk, that concern deserves accommodation rather than dismissal.

International cricket has a long history of using neutral venues during sensitive situations to protect players and preserve the spirit of the game. Reconsidering match venues under such circumstances is not unprecedented, nor does it undermine the tournament; rather, it strengthens its credibility.

We therefore respectfully urge the ICC to reconsider the venues allocated for Bangladesh’s matches and explore neutral alternatives. Providing Bangladesh with the option of a neutral venue would be a balanced, humane, and responsible solution that safeguards participants while ensuring the tournament proceeds smoothly and without controversy.

Why Signing Matters

Neutral venues offer reassurance, reduce tension, and allow players and journalists to focus on performance and professional duty rather than personal safety. Such a step would reaffirm the ICC’s commitment to fairness, neutrality, and its duty of care to all member nations.

Please join me in calling on the ICC to ensure the safety of players, journalists and Bangladesh fans by reconsidering the Bangladesh match venues for the upcoming tournament. Sign this petition to make our voices heard and uphold the values of safety and integrity in international cricket competitions. Collective voices play a vital role in ensuring accountability and responsible decision-making in international sport.