The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set a deadline of January 21 for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to finalize its decision on participating in the 2026 T20 World Cup, particularly regarding traveling to India. The BCB has expressed reluctance to play its matches in India, citing security concerns, and has proposed Sri Lanka as an alternative venue.
During meetings held in Dhaka, the BCB reiterated its desire to participate in the tournament but requested the ICC to relocate Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka, sharing the government's concerns about the safety and security of the team, fans, media, and other stakeholders. The ICC, however, has maintained its original schedule, placing Bangladesh in Group C, with matches slated to be held in Kolkata and Mumbai. Bangladesh is scheduled to play its opening match against West Indies on February 7 in Kolkata. The team is scheduled to play two more group games at the same venue, before their final group fixture in Mumbai.
The ICC has reportedly assured the BCB that there is no specific security threat to the Bangladesh team in India. An advisory from an independent security agency classified India's overall threat level as medium to high but identified no direct threats against any visiting team. The ICC also rejected the BCB's request to move Bangladesh to Group B, swapping places with Ireland, whose group matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka.
The dispute arose after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, which led to Bangladesh banning the broadcast of the IPL in the country. Subsequently, the BCB formally informed the ICC of its refusal to play World Cup matches in India.
If the BCB decides not to travel to India, the ICC is expected to nominate a replacement team, with Scotland next in line based on current rankings. Pakistan may also reconsider its participation if the issue with Bangladesh remains unresolved. The ICC awaits a final decision from the BCB by January 21 to finalize logistical details for the tournament.
