![BCB president issues strong warning to ICC [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767767941691_Bangladesh Cricket.jpg)
BCB president issues strong warning to ICC [Source: X]
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has warned the ICC of a possible walkover in case their demands for a change in venue for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 are not met.
The issue began when Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was excluded from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad ahead of the IPL. Notably, this decision was reportedly taken on the advice of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Bangladesh raises security concerns
Soon after, the matter gained global attention when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) raised concerns about player security and decided not to travel to India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Reports also suggested that the BCB formally asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move Bangladesh’s matches out of India.
BCB president issues strong warning to ICC
In the latest development, BCB Director Asif Akbar issued a strong warning to the ICC. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, January 6, he said Bangladesh could choose to take walkovers in the T20 World Cup if their matches are not shifted from India.
Asif Akbar clearly stated that Bangladesh is ready to make a tough decision if the ICC does not act.
“We have already made our position clear. That option is no longer open for us,” Asif Akbar said. “Considering the Mustafizur issue and concerns related to our players, we remain negative about playing in India. However, we are ready to play in Sri Lanka.”
Despite taking a firm stand, the BCB has said it is still waiting for an official response from the ICC.
“Since the ICC is the guardian of world cricket, we will inform our next course of action after receiving their response,” Asif added.
However, on January 7, after discussions between the ICC and the BCB, some reports claimed that the ICC told Bangladesh to either play in India or lose points. However, BCB officials denied that such a warning was given.
Meanwhile, sources in India believe that Bangladesh’s concerns are not really about security. Instead, they feel the reaction is political and linked to Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL release.
ICC sticks to the current T20 World Cup schedule
According to a Hindustan Times report, the ICC has told the BCB that there is no specific or credible threat to the Bangladesh team in India. Because of this, the ICC plans to stick with the schedule already announced.
BCB president and former captain Aminul Islam also denied reports that the ICC had issued any ultimatum to Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, BCB firmly rejected reports suggesting it had received an ultimatum from the ICC.
Adding to the tension, Bangladesh’s interim government has stepped in. Following Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL release, BCB banned IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh.
It is important to mention that the situation is unfolding just weeks before the mega tournament begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Notably, Bangladesh are placed in Group C along with the West Indies, Nepal and Italy, and are scheduled to play three matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
