The International Cricket Council (ICC) has urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to reconsider its decision not to play its scheduled matches in India during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, after a video conference between the two parties failed to resolve the dispute on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
In the discussions, the ICC highlighted that the tournament itinerary has already been finalised and publicly announced, and asked the BCB to soften its stance on travelling to India. The global body emphasised the logistical challenges of altering the official schedule at this late stage.
BCB maintained their stance, security fears remain central
The Bangladesh Cricket Board, represented by President Aminul Islam Bulbul, senior officials, and the chief executive, reaffirmed its decision not to send the team to India, citing unresolved security concerns as the primary reason. The BCB reiterated its request to the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to venues outside India, such as co-host Sri Lanka.
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Post-meeting statements from the BCB made it clear that the board’s position remains unchanged, with officials stating they are committed to safeguarding the well-being of players, staff, and support personnel. The parties agreed to continue dialogue to seek potential solutions, though no immediate breakthrough was reported.
Wider context
The controversy stems from broader tensions between cricketing authorities and political sensitivities, following the decision by the Indian Premier League authority to select the Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who is owned by SRK's franchise, which triggered diplomatic and sporting concerns in Dhaka. The BCB has repeatedly linked the safety of travelling to India with that issue, though the ICC has not confirmed any official risk assessment that would justify relocation.
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With the T20 World Cup set to begin in February–March 2026, the situation adds a diplomatic and operational complication for the sport’s global governing body, tournament hosts and participating teams. The ICC’s next steps, and whether a compromise can be reached, will be watched closely by cricket fans and administrators alike.
