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ICC gives final deadline to Bangladesh over T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India

Rajgeeta Yadav

Jay Shah and Bangladesh Cricket Team. Image Credits: XJay Shah and Bangladesh Cricket Team. Image Credits: X

In a major development ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to clearly state by Saturday whether they are willing to play their scheduled matches in India. 

Notably, the concerns from Bangladesh started after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their 2026 squad. 

Later, BCB formally requested the ICC to move their matches to Sri Lanka, which is also a co-host of the tournament. 

ICC shares views on security arrangements

This decision was reportedly linked to recent developments in Bangladesh, which led to worries within the BCB about the overall environment and safety in India. As a result, the BCB felt uneasy about sending their team and related personnel to India for the World Cup.

During a virtual meeting with BCB officials, ICC representatives made their position very clear. According to the ICC, their security agencies have found no threats to Bangladesh players or officials during the month-long tournament, which begins on February 7. 

Therefore, the ICC sees no reason to change the match schedule at such a late stage.

According to the Telegraph, the ICC reminded the BCB that it is required to play in India under the Members Playing Agreement (MPA). Breaking this agreement could result in penalties, including the loss of points.

BCB strongly denies receiving any ultimatum from ICC

However, the BCB has strongly denied receiving any ultimatum. In an official media release on Wednesday, the Board stated that such claims are false and misleading.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s sports adviser, Asif Nazrul, has said that the government will continue trying to convince the ICC to move the matches to Sri Lanka. He believes the ICC has not fully understood Bangladesh’s concerns. After meeting BCB directors, Nazrul confirmed that another letter would be sent to the ICC.

“In its communication, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament. The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the Board’s inputs will be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event,” the media release said.

BCB president explains the security issue

BCB president Aminul Islam has explained that the issue is not limited to player security alone. According to him, concerns also include the safety of travelling media, sponsors, team officials, and Bangladeshi fans.

It is important to mention that Pakistan will play their matches in Sri Lanka under a prior agreement between the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board. However, the ICC has stated that Pakistan’s case is different from Bangladesh’s. 

As an example, the ICC pointed out that Pakistan played in India during the 2023 World Cup without any incidents.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play most of its group matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with one match in Mumbai. They are placed in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Nepal, and Italy.