The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reiterated during a recent meeting with the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup, citing security concerns. This tournament is scheduled to take place between February 7 and March 8, 2026, across India and Sri Lanka. However, the ICC stated clearly that Bangladesh should reconsider as the schedule is set.
On Tuesday afternoon, a video conference was held between BCB and ICC to discuss Bangladesh's participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Representing BCB were Chairman Mohammad Aminul Islam, Vice Chairman Mohammad Shakawat Hussain and Farooq Ahmed, Cricket Operations Committee Chairman and Director Nazmul Abedin, and CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury, as disclosed by a BCB media release.
During the meeting, the BCB repeated its stance of not traveling to India, citing security concerns. The board once again requested the ICC to hold Bangladesh's matches at an alternative venue outside India for the safety of the players.
ICC Calls for Reconsideration
The ICC responded by emphasizing that the tournament schedule and travel arrangements have already been set, urging BCB to reconsider their stance. Despite this, the Bangladesh Board stood firm, stating that the safety and welfare of players, officials, and supporting staff remain a top priority. Nevertheless, the ICC continued to push for a review of the decision.
This situation arises amidst escalating tensions between BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and BCB. Relations soured when BCCI terminated the IPL contract of Bangladesh's fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman.
Following BCCI's directive, Kolkata Knight Riders released Mustafizur, prompting BCB to convene an emergency high-level meeting. Subsequently, Bangladesh formally requested the ICC to relocate its T20 World Cup matches outside of India.
Bangladesh didn't stop there. They also decided to ban IPL broadcasts in their country. Amidst this dispute, Pakistan offered to host Bangladesh's matches. Bangladesh's sports advisors expressed willingness to play in Pakistan. The advisor also spread misinformation domestically, claiming that the ICC had accepted their demands and issued a letter, a claim the Bangladesh Cricket Board refuted, stating no such decision was made by the ICC.
