Mostofa Sarwar Farooki Challenges ICC Neutrality Over Bangladesh Security Concerns
The diplomatic landscape of South Asian cricket has reached a critical tipping point. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, the Cultural Affairs Adviser to the Bangladesh interim government and a globally acclaimed filmmaker, has issued a searing critique of the International Cricket Council (ICC). In a detailed public statement, Farooki accused the governing body of "double standards" regarding player safety, casting a massive shadow over the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup.
The "Double Standard" Allegation
Farooki’s primary contention centers on what he perceives as the ICC's selective sensitivity to security concerns. He noted that the ICC historically complies when India refuses to travel to Pakistan or when Pakistan declines to play in India due to security fears. However, when Bangladesh requested a venue shift for the 2026 T20 World Cup citing "genuine security reasons," the ICC has done the opposite.
"The onus is on the ICC to prove its neutrality." — Mostofa Sarwar Farooki
Citing Recent Violence and Political Threats
To justify the demand for a venue relocation to Sri Lanka, Farooki highlighted specific, "disturbing" reports from Indian soil that he claims make the environment unsafe for Bangladeshi athletes:
- The Manjur Laskar Incident: Farooki referenced reports of a West Bengal-born man, Manjur Laskar, who was allegedly beaten to death on suspicion of being Bangladeshi.
- Political Warnings in Mumbai: He pointed to warnings from Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray regarding Bangladesh playing in Mumbai—a city where the ICC has specifically scheduled matches.
- Internal Risk Assessments: Farooki claimed that an independent security assessment found "moderate to high risk" for Bangladeshi players and fans, particularly if star pacer Mustafizur Rahman is included in the squad or if fans wear national jerseys.
The Mustafizur Connection
Farooki linked these security fears to a "long-running anti-Bangladesh hate campaign," which he believes was the root cause behind Mustafizur Rahman's recent removal from the IPL. He argues that this pattern of targeted exclusion proves that the threat to Bangladeshi players in India is no longer theoretical, but genuine.
Quick Facts: Who is Mostofa Sarwar Farooki?
- A Master Storyteller: He is one of Bangladesh's most celebrated filmmakers, known for founding the "Chabial" movement that transformed national cinema.
- Indian Collaboration: He famously directed the film Doob: No Bed of Roses, which starred the legendary Indian actor Irrfan Khan.
- A Voice for the Nation: His transition from an artist to the Cultural Affairs Adviser gives his statements on international relations and sporting security immense weight.
The Final Plea for Venue Relocation
With the 2026 T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Farooki is calling on the ICC to take Bangladesh's concerns into cognisance and move the team’s matches to Sri Lanka "no matter what". For CricketWall, this remains the biggest story as we head into the tournament—will the ICC prioritize safety and neutrality, or stay the course in India?
