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Bangladesh players at conference (Source:X)
Time is running out for Bangladesh as the country faces a crucial decision over its participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The ICC has taken a firm stand and refused to make any changes to the tournament schedule, despite strong demands from the BCB to shift their league-stage matches out of India to Sri Lanka.
Following an emergency board meeting, the ICC put Bangladesh’s request to a vote. The result was overwhelming, with 14 member nations voting against the proposal.
Only Bangladesh and Pakistan supported the demand. The ICC has now made its position clear: if Bangladesh refuses to travel to India for the tournament, Scotland will replace them.
The ICC has given the BCB a strict 24-hour deadline to confirm whether the team will participate in the tournament, which is scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Failure to confirm participation within this time frame is expected to trigger Bangladesh's removal from the competition.
Government advisor to meet players amid growing uncertainty
In a significant development, the crisis has now moved beyond boardroom discussions and into the dressing room.
Bangladesh government's sports advisor, Asif Nazrul, is set to meet the national team players at 3 PM on Thursday at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka. The meeting has been arranged to brief the players on the government's position and to hear their views on participating in the World Cup.
According to a Cricbuzz report, the meeting is also expected to explore ways to resolve the ongoing problem.
When did the dispute start between ICC and BCB?
The dispute began after the BCB demanded that Bangladesh's Group C matches be shifted out of India due to security concerns. Sri Lanka was suggested as an alternative venue.
These concerns were raised after the Board of Control for Cricket in India reportedly asked the KKR to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the IPL 2026 season amid political tensions.
The BCB cited this development as a reason to question the safety and comfort of its players while playing in India. However, after reviewing the matter, the ICC rejected the venue-change request and issued what is effectively an ultimatum, travel to India or lose the World Cup slot.
Bangladesh's schedule for T20 World Cup 2026
If Bangladesh decides to travel, they are placed in Group C alongside England, the West Indies, Italy, and Nepal.
Their group-stage schedule includes three matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata against the West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14. Their final league match is scheduled against Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 17.
Bangladesh is also set to play the opening match of the tournament against the West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens.
With the ICC’s deadline fast approaching and government officials now directly engaging with players, Bangladesh cricket stands at a critical position.
The final decision will determine whether Bangladesh takes part in the T20 World Cup 2026 or whether Scotland enters the marquee tournament.
