THE INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL has reportedly rejected a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board to shift Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches out of India.
The decision was communicated during a virtual meeting between the two bodies, with the ICC making clear that Bangladesh must travel to India for the tournament or face potential sporting sanctions, including the forfeiture of points.
In the wake of the ICC’s stance on the matter, the BCB stated on Wednesday that it would cooperate with the tournament’s organisers in order to ensure the country’s participation.
“The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns, 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 BCB’s statement said.
“The BCB will continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant event authorities in a cooperative and professional manner to arrive at an affable and practical solution that ensures the smooth and successful participation of the team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” the statement added.
The impasse comes amid a sharp deterioration in relations between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the BCB following the release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League. The BCCI had instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to terminate Rahman’s contract, a move that followed political backlash in India over reports of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
In the aftermath of Rahman’s release, the BCB wrote to the ICC, raising concerns over the safety and security of its players should they be required to travel to India for the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh also cited precedent, with BCB director Faruque Ahmed pointing to Pakistan’s participation in ICC tournaments under a hybrid hosting model as justification for their request.
Bangladesh has since escalated the matter by banning the broadcast of the upcoming IPL season within the country. Speaking earlier to India Today, Ahmed said political developments had played a significant role in straining ties between the two boards, adding that cricketing issues had become increasingly intertwined with broader political considerations.
