New Delhi: The Bangladesh Cricket Board is set to announce its final decision on participation in the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India, amid a growing standoff with the International Cricket Council over security concerns. The issue has escalated into a major development for the tournament, with the ICC expected to take a decisive call following its board meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
The controversy traces back to the removal of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League, a move that triggered diplomatic and sporting tensions. Soon after, the Bangladesh government banned the broadcast of the IPL, and the cricket board formally informed the ICC that it was unwilling to send the national team to India for the World Cup, citing safety issues.
Bangladesh were given a deadline of January 21 to confirm their participation, failing which they face the possibility of being replaced by another team. Despite multiple rounds of discussions, including a high level meeting held in Dhaka last weekend, neither the ICC nor the Bangladesh board has softened its position. While the ICC has maintained that the tournament schedule should proceed as planned, the BCB has remained firm in its refusal to travel to India.
Bangladesh are scheduled to play all four of their group stage matches in India, with three games slated for Kolkata and one in Mumbai. The BCB, with backing from its government, has instead requested that its fixtures be shifted to co host Sri Lanka.
The situation gained further complexity after Pakistan extended support to Bangladesh’s stance. Pakistan conveyed its position to the ICC, pointing to political instability in the region and endorsing the request for a venue change. Pakistan itself is set to play all of its World Cup matches in Sri Lanka under an existing hybrid arrangement valid until 2027.
With no compromise reached so far, the ICC board meeting is expected to determine whether Bangladesh will participate under the existing schedule or whether alternative arrangements will be made. The decision could have significant implications for the tournament’s structure and logistics as the World Cup approaches its February 7 start.
