KEY POINTS
- ICC asks Bangladesh Cricket Board to reconsider its boycott of T20 World Cup matches in India.
- BCB categorically refused, citing unresolved security concerns in India.
- BCB demands its matches be moved from India to co-host Sri Lanka.
DHAKA, Bangladesh: A firm standoff has emerged after the International Cricket Council (ICC) asked the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to rethink its boycott of matches in India for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The BCB, however, has stated its position is “unchanged by an inch.”
The request came during a high-level video conference held between the two bodies on Tuesday afternoon, as a major deadlock over security and venue allocation threatens to disrupt the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
The dispute stems from the BCB’s firm demand to relocate Bangladesh’s matches from India to co-host Sri Lanka, citing significant security concerns for its players and officials.
Security concerns in India
Bangladesh’s stance hardened following recent political tensions with India, exemplified by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directing the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its squad.
This move, seen in Dhaka as politically motivated, cemented the BCB’s security apprehensions.
Sports advisor to the Bangladesh government, Asif Nazrul, had previously insisted the nation was “not ready to travel to India.” The BCB’s position, presented by its top leadership in the meeting, remains unchanged.
BCB unyielding, but dialogue remains open
In a statement released after the online meeting, the BCB confirmed, “During the discussions, the BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns. The Board also reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh’s matches.”
While acknowledging the ICC’s point that the tournament itinerary is already publicized, the BCB stated its position is “unchanged.”
However, both parties agreed to continue discussions. “The BCB remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of its players, officials and staff while engaging constructively with the ICC to address the matter,” the statement added.
BCB Vice-President Shakhawat Hossain was unequivocal in a post-meeting briefing: “We are firm in the position we have taken… We will not change our stance even by an inch. We are not going to India.”
Race against time for resolution
Despite the firm stance, Hossain indicated a window for negotiation remains.
“We have stated our position and they are looking for alternatives. The path for discussion is still open,” he told reporters.
He expressed cautious optimism, noting, “We are in a positive position,” but urgently highlighted the ticking clock.
“There isn’t much time. Arrangements will be made very soon. They know that too.”
The BCB delegation in the video conference included President Aminul Islam, Vice-Presidents Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Director and Cricket Operations Committee Chairman Nazmul Abedin, and CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.
The ICC now faces a logistical and diplomatic challenge with the co-hosted event.
Finding a solution that satisfies Bangladesh’s security demands while maintaining the integrity of the pre-announced schedule will be crucial in the coming days to ensure the participation of a full-strength Bangladesh team in the World Cup.
Bangladesh have been placed in Group C and will begin their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign against the West Indies on February 7 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.
They will then play Italy and England at the same venue on February 9 and 14, respectively, before completing their group stage fixtures against Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 17.
Bangladesh squad for T20 World Cup
Litton Kumar Das (c), Saif Hassan (vc), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Md Shaifuddin and Shoriful Islam.
