![Bangladesh on T20 World Cup 2026 standoff [Source: @notfilter99/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768906072632_BangladeshreactstoICCpressureamidIndiastandoff.jpg?type=hq)
Bangladesh on T20 World Cup 2026 standoff [Source: @notfilter99/X.com]
Bangladesh has taken a firm stance against any external pressure regarding its participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled to be held in India.
Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul stated that Bangladesh will not accept unreasonable or illogical conditions from the ICC, particularly if such pressure is applied under the influence of the Indian Cricket Board.
Bangladesh reiterates its stand on travel to India
Speaking to reporters in Dhaka, Asif Nazrul made it clear that Bangladesh cannot be forced to travel to India against its will and national concerns. He added that Bangladesh has formally communicated its position to the ICC and is awaiting an official response.
“If the International Cricket Council (ICC) bows to pressure from the Indian Cricket Board and tries to impose any illogical condition on us, we will not accept,” Nazrul told media.
Addressing reports that Scotland could replace the Bangla Tigers if they refuse to travel, Nazrul said no such decision has been conveyed to them officially.
He added that international cricket has precedents where venues were changed when teams raised legitimate concerns, pointing to India’s past refusal to tour Pakistan.
According to him, BCB's request for a venue change is reasonable and grounded in security considerations, not politics or defiance.
“There are precedents in international cricket, when India refused to play in Pakistan, the ICC changed the venue. We have reasonably asked for a venue change," he added.
Background of the dispute
The controversy began after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the IPL due to reported security threats.
According to reports, these concerns were later validated by the ICC’s own Internal Threat Assessment Report, which proved risks for players and officials travelling to India at this time.
In light of these developments, the BCB informed the ICC that the national team would not travel to India unless the venue for their World Cup matches was shifted to a neutral location.
The move was not framed as a withdrawal from the tournament but as a request for safety assurances and logistical adjustments.
However, the situation escalated after media reports suggested that the ICC was considering Scotland as a replacement team if the Tigers refused to travel.
ICC has not yet indicated how it would select an alternate team nor if such a step is at all contemplated, adding to the uncertainty around Bangladesh’s participation.
Wider Implications for international cricket
It's a stand-off that raises wider questions about fairness, consistency, and player safety in the governance of world cricket.
The Tigers have argued that if venue changes were permitted in the past to accommodate India’s concerns, similar flexibility should be extended to other member nations.
Asif Nazrul’s remarks are also broader national sentiments that sporting decisions should not compromise security or sovereignty. He reiterated that the country respects the ICC but expects equal treatment and rational decision-making.
A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation and travel arrangements is expected soon, with the ICC likely to announce its position by mid-week.
