ISLAMABAD: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally announced itsunwavering decision to decline playing any group-stage fixtures in Indiaduring the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India andSri Lanka. This stance follows repeated requests to the InternationalCricket Council (ICC) for relocation of Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka,which were rejected after a board vote. The BCB emphasized that thedecision aligns with government directives and prioritizes the welfare ofthe national team in the face of perceived risks stemming from recentpolitical developments between the two neighboring countries.
The controversy traces back to early January when the BCB firstcommunicated its refusal to travel to India, originally linked to incidentsinvolving Bangladeshi players in Indian domestic leagues and broadercommunal concerns. Bangladesh’s group-stage schedule includes four matchesin Indian venues such as Kolkata and Mumbai, against opponents yet to befully detailed in the final draw. The board’s position has been reinforcedthrough consultations with the interim government, players, and cricketadministrators in Dhaka, who have consistently maintained that the currentenvironment does not guarantee adequate safety assurances despiteICC-provided evaluations.
On January 21, the ICC convened a board meeting via video conference toaddress the impasse, where a majority vote—reportedly 14-2, with onlyBangladesh and Pakistan in favor—upheld the original schedule. The ICCstated that independent security assessments, venue-specific plans, andhost assurances confirmed no credible threat existed to Bangladeshparticipants. The governing body warned that failure to confirmparticipation by the given deadline could result in Bangladesh’sreplacement by a standby team, such as Scotland, based on rankings andtournament protocols.
Despite the ICC’s firm rejection and the looming deadline, the BCB hasreiterated its commitment to ongoing dialogue with the global body whilerefusing to compromise on the venue issue. Board officials have expressed adesire for Bangladesh to compete in the World Cup but only if all matchesare shifted to Sri Lankan venues like Colombo or Kandy, where other groupsare partially hosted. This position has garnered support from the PakistanCricket Board, which formally backed the BCB and even offered alternativehosting options if needed, highlighting regional solidarity on securitymatters.
The standoff has raised significant questions about the integrity andlogistical flexibility of ICC events in politically sensitive regions.Bangladesh’s refusal could lead to forfeiture of its automaticqualification spot as a top-ranked side from previous cycles, potentiallyaltering group compositions and match schedules just weeks before thetournament’s February start. Analysts note that such disputes, while rare,echo past instances where bilateral tensions affected participation, thoughthe ICC has historically prioritized maintaining the sanctity of itscalendars over last-minute alterations.
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Player reactions within the Bangladesh camp have shown a mix ofdisappointment and resolve. Senior team members, including those who metwith government advisors and BCB leadership in recent days, have voicedsupport for the board’s decision, prioritizing national dignity and safetyover competitive opportunities. The BCB president has described thesituation as hoping for a resolution that allows participation withoutcompromising principles, though optimism remains low given the ICC’s stanceand the absence of new concessions from hosts.
Broader implications extend to cricket diplomacy in South Asia, whererelations between Bangladesh and India have faced strains over variousissues in recent months. The tournament, featuring 20 teams across multiplevenues in India—including Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for thefinal—and Sri Lanka, now faces uncertainty regarding one participatingnation’s involvement. If Bangladesh withdraws or is replaced, it couldimpact broadcast revenues, fan engagement, and the competitive balance inGroup C, where the team was expected to feature prominently.
The BCB has indicated it will continue communications with the ICC in thecoming hours or days, seeking any possible accommodation while standing byits core position. This development underscores the challenges of hostingmulti-nation events amid geopolitical frictions, testing the limits ofcricket’s role as a unifying sport in the region.