The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reaffirmed its position on not sending the national men’s team to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, maintaining its demand for a venue shift despite a firm rejection from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Bangladesh, which is scheduled to play several matches in India as part of the co-hosted tournament alongside Sri Lanka, has repeatedly voiced serious concerns regarding the safety and security of its players. The board has formally requested that Bangladesh’s fixtures be moved entirely to Sri Lanka, citing what it describes as an unsafe environment for its team in India.
However, the ICC has categorically declined the request, stating that the tournament schedule cannot be changed at such a late stage. Following an ICC board meeting held on Wednesday, BCB president Aminul Islam disclosed that Bangladesh had been cautioned about possible replacement if the team refuses to travel to India.
Despite the warning, Aminul emphasized that the board is not rushing into a decision. He revealed that he has sought additional time from the ICC to consult with the Bangladesh government before making a final commitment.
“I requested time from the ICC board to speak with my government one last time,” Aminul said. “They acknowledged the request and allowed me a window of 24 to 48 hours to respond.”
While acknowledging the ICC’s standpoint, the BCB president reiterated that the board’s primary responsibility is the welfare of its players. He stressed that Bangladesh remains unconvinced about the security situation in India and continues to favor Sri Lanka as a safer alternative.
“We do not want to put unnecessary pressure on the government,” Aminul explained. “But from our assessment, India is not secure for us. Our position remains unchanged—we want to play in Sri Lanka.”
As discussions intensify, Aminul confirmed that Bangladesh’s players are expected to meet the country’s sports adviser, Asif Nazrul, on Thursday to further deliberate on the issue. The meeting is seen as crucial in shaping the government’s stance and determining Bangladesh’s final response to the ICC.
Despite holding firm on security concerns, the BCB president made it clear that all stakeholders in Bangladesh want the team to participate in the World Cup. He expressed hope that the ICC might still reconsider its decision.
“I am hoping for a miracle from the ICC,” Aminul said. “The players want to play the World Cup, and the government also wants Bangladesh to participate. But governments consider multiple factors, not just cricketing interests.”
In an official statement released after the meeting, the ICC defended its decision, stating that Bangladesh’s request was rejected following comprehensive security evaluations, including independent assessments.
According to the ICC, all reports concluded that there is no credible threat to players, officials, media personnel, or spectators at any of the Indian venues. The governing body also warned that altering the schedule without verified security risks could establish an unhealthy precedent for future international tournaments.
With the tournament drawing closer, Bangladesh now faces a critical decision that could impact its participation in one of cricket’s biggest global events.
Read More: ICC Rejects Bangladesh Plea, T20 World Cup Schedule Unchanged
