The participation of Bangladesh's cricket team in the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence on February 7, 2026, hangs in the balance as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) твердо refuses to play the tournament in India. The ICC has reportedly issued an ultimatum to the BCB, setting a deadline of January 21 for a final decision, after which Bangladesh risks being replaced by another team.

The BCB's reluctance stems from heightened political tensions between Bangladesh and India, as well as security concerns. These concerns were amplified after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) allegedly instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders, an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, to drop Mustafizur Rahman, a Bangladeshi fast bowler, from their squad. The BCB views this action as a direct consequence of the strained relationship between the two nations.

In response to the ICC's ultimatum, Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh's Youth and Sports Adviser, asserted that Bangladesh will not succumb to pressure from the BCCI or accept "unreasonable conditions" imposed by the ICC. Nazrul emphasized that Bangladesh has logical grounds for requesting a change of venue and should not be coerced into playing in India under duress. He cited precedents where the ICC altered venues when India refused to play in Pakistan.

Amjad Hossain, the media committee chairman, revealed that an ICC representative met with BCB representatives on January 17 to discuss the matter. During the meeting, the BCB reiterated its request to relocate Bangladesh's matches to an alternate venue, with Sri Lanka being the preferred choice. While the ICC acknowledged the concerns and promised to relay them to the higher authorities, they did not provide a specific timeline for a decision.

Should Bangladesh ultimately refuse to participate in the T20 World Cup in India, Scotland, the highest-ranked team that did not qualify for the tournament, is reportedly ready to take their place. Another suggestion involved Bangladesh swapping places with Ireland, whose Group B matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka.

The ongoing dispute has sparked considerable debate within the cricketing community, with many questioning the ICC's handling of the situation. Some observers believe that the ICC should prioritize the safety and security of all participating teams, while others argue that political tensions should not interfere with sporting events. The final decision of the ICC is awaited.