Despite the warnings and ultimatum from the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), along with players and the interim government's sports advisor, have decided to maintain their stance on the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh has made it clear that unless the venue is changed from India to Sri Lanka, they will not participate in the World Cup.
After a crucial meeting with the players, Bangladesh’s sports advisor, Asif Nazrul, levied serious allegations against the ICC. He stated that the ICC has failed to do justice to Bangladesh and has neglected players' safety concerns. According to Asif Nazrul, the government, cricket board, and players unanimously agree that there will be no compromise on safety.
In no uncertain terms, Asif Nazrul emphasized, 'We will not bow to pressure. The world must understand the implications of Bangladesh not participating in the World Cup. We cannot compromise on our players' safety.'
Following the meeting, the Bangladesh Cricket Board reiterated the firmness of their decision. The board insists that playing in India under the current circumstances is not safe and suggests changing the venue to Sri Lanka. However, the ICC has made it clear that the tournament will not be moved from India.
Despite the strict warning from the ICC, Bangladesh has refused to back down from their decision. This entire controversy has cast a shadow over the T20 World Cup. All eyes are now on the ICC’s next steps and how they will resolve this conflict. According to the original T20 World Cup schedule, Bangladesh was placed in Group C. Their first three matches were to be held in Kolkata, with their final group match against Nepal on February 17 in Mumbai.
February 7, 2026:
Bangladesh vs West Indies, 3 PM, Eden Gardens (Kolkata)
February 9, 2026:
Bangladesh vs Italy, 11 AM, Eden Gardens (Kolkata)
February 14, 2026:
Bangladesh vs England, 3 PM, Eden Gardens (Kolkata)
February 17, 2026:
Bangladesh vs Nepal, 7 PM, Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai)
In recent days, the relationship between India and Bangladesh soured notably with reports of atrocities against minority Hindus in Bangladesh. This tension spilled over into cricket. Subsequently, Kolkata Knight Riders terminated the contract of Mustafizur Rahman, excluding him from the IPL 2026. Following this, Bangladesh imposed a ban on IPL broadcasting. The demand to host their T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka gained momentum, but ICC did not accommodate this request.
Receiving the official message from ICC on January 21, BCB's president met with sports advisor Asif Nazrul. It was decided that Asif Nazrul would meet with the World Cup squad players on Thursday (January 22) before noon. The players' opinions were sought, concluding that they do not want to play the World Cup in India.
In the ICC meeting on January 21, the BCB's request for a venue change post-voting was overruled. In the voting, 16 countries participated; 14 voted against Bangladesh's proposal, while only 2 nations, Pakistan and Bangladesh, supported it.
The ICC has since clarified that there is no credible threat to Bangladesh's players, officials, or fans at any venue in India, hence the matches will proceed as scheduled.
Which Team Will Replace Bangladesh?
Since Bangladesh has withdrawn, Scotland might be included in the World Cup. With limited options and time, ICC could opt for Scotland to fill Bangladesh’s spot based on team rankings. Currently, Scotland is ranked 14th in the ICC T20 standings.
