The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly instructed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that the national team must participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup matches in India as scheduled, or risk forfeiting points. This directive follows Bangladesh's formal request to the ICC to relocate their matches to a neutral venue, citing security concerns. The BCB, however, has denied receiving any official ultimatum from the ICC.

The 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is slated to commence on February 7 and conclude on March 8. Bangladesh is placed in Group C and scheduled to play their first three matches in Kolkata against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14, before facing Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

Tensions between the BCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have escalated recently. A key factor contributing to this strained relationship was the decision by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), seemingly under the direction of the BCCI, to release Mustafizur Rahman, a Bangladeshi fast bowler, from his Indian Premier League (IPL) contract. This move followed political backlash in India related to reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

In response to Mustafizur's release and growing security concerns, the BCB convened an emergency meeting. Following this meeting, the BCB formally requested the ICC to consider relocating all of Bangladesh's matches to a venue outside of India. The BCB also decided to ban the broadcast of the IPL in Bangladesh. Asif Nazrul, the advisor for Youth and Sports in the Mohammad Yunus-led interim government of Bangladesh, stated that the team "won't feel safe" in India.

According to sources, the ICC, during a virtual meeting with the BCB, conveyed that the tournament schedule would not be changed and that Bangladesh would be required to travel to India as planned. The ICC reportedly stated that failure to comply could result in Bangladesh forfeiting their matches. However, the BCB has denied receiving any official ultimatum in those terms, asserting that no such directive was formally communicated.

The ICC's decision to maintain the original venues was reportedly influenced by their assessment that there were no specific or credible threats to the Bangladesh team while playing in India. The global body conveyed that it saw no basis to alter the tournament schedule or venues at this stage.

With the ICC's firm stance, Bangladesh faces a difficult decision: proceed to play in India for the World Cup or risk losing valuable points. While tensions remain high, the situation could evolve further. A formal response from the ICC is expected by January 10. Neither the ICC nor the BCCI has issued an official statement on the matter.