In a significant move prior to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has made the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) the request to give a clear answer by Saturday whether they are ready to play their matches in India as scheduled.
It is important to mention that the Bangladeshi concerns were raised initially when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave instructions to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to let go of Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladeshi pacer, from their 2026 squad.
Eventually, the BCB formally asked the ICC to transfer their matches to Sri Lanka, which is also one of the tournament’s co-hosts.
ICC comments on safety measures
This ruling was said to have been affected by the recent changes in Bangladesh which caused the BCB to doubt the overall atmosphere and security in India. Consequently, the BCB did not consider it safe to bring their team and other staff members to India for the World Cup.
ICC officials were really open about their stance during a video conference with BCB representatives. The ICC claimed that their security forces had detected no danger to the players or officials from Bangladesh throughout the league which lasts one month and commences on 7th February.
Thus, the ICC doesn’t consider it necessary to alter the match timings at such a late time.
The Telegraph reported that the ICC notified BCB about their obligation to perform in India according to the Members Playing Agreement (MPA). The breaking of this agreement may result in penalties, including powering off points.
BCB adamantly denies ICC issuing ultimatum
Nonetheless, the BCB has forcefully repudiated the ultimatum issue. In an official press release on Wednesday, the Board declared that these sorts of claims are nothing but false and misleading.
In the meantime, Bangladesh’s sports advisor, Asif Nazrul, has announced that the government would persist in persuading the ICC to transfer the matches to Sri Lanka. He thinks the ICC has not yet comprehended Bangladesh’s apprehensions thoroughly. After interacting with the BCB directors, Nazrul affirmed that another letter would be dispatched 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 clarifies the security issue
BCB president Aminul Islam has made it clear that the situation is not restricted to player safety only. He mentioned that concerns are also about the safety of the traveling media, sponsors, team officials, and Bangladeshi fans.
It should be noted that Pakistan will play their matches in Sri Lanka as per a previous accord between the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board. Nevertheless, the ICC has declared that Pakistan’s situation is unlike that of Bangladesh.
The ICC gave the incident-free conduct of Pakistan in India during the World Cup 2023 as an example.
Bangladesh has confirmed its participation in all group matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, plus one match in Mumbai. The team is in Group C with England, West Indies, Nepal, and Italy.