BCB take a final call on challenging ICC legally after being thrown out of T20 World Cup 2026

Bangladesh won't challenge ICC's decision to replace them in T20 World Cup [Source: @AjayJadeja171/x.com]

Earlier reports had claimed that the BCB had requested the ICC's dispute resolution committee to look into the issue of Scotland replacing Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2026. However, Amzad Hossain, the BCB's media committee chairman, has dismissed these reports and confirmed that they will not be challenging the ICC’s decision.

In his official statement, Amzad said that the BCB has accepted the ICC’s decision since there was no middle ground. He also confirmed that their stance on the situation remains the same.

"We have accepted the decision of the ICC board. Since the ICC has said that we cannot go and play or they cannot shift our games to Sri Lanka, in this case, we cannot go and play in India. Our position remains the same. We are not going to any separate arbitration or anything here," he said.

The Bangladesh government echoed BCB’s decision

Last week, the ICC informed BCB that if they were not willing to travel to India for their matches, they would be replaced by Scotland. Amzad revealed that they had also discussed the matter with the Bangladeshi government, and they too prioritised the players’ safety.

"After the ICC board meeting, there was a cabinet meeting of the Bangladesh government, and a decision was made there. The decision clearly stated that our team will not be able to go to India. This decision has been communicated by the government," Amzad said.

The ICC gave the BCB 24 hours to reconsider its decision

Amzad also revealed that when they went to the ICC with their decision, they were asked to respond within 24 hours. However, the BCB were keen to stick with their decision if the fixtures could not be altered.

"After that, the ICC asked us to reply within 24 hours. We told them politely that it is not possible for us to go and play according to this fixture."

Bangladesh have now officially pulled out of the tournament, with Scotland replacing them in Group C. They will face the West Indies, Italy, and England in Kolkata and Nepal in Mumbai.

Bangladesh Cricket Board went against the players’ will to participate

While the decision is finalised, it is reported that the Bangladeshi players wanted to play in the T20 World Cup 2026. A tournament like the World Cup has a lot at stake for a team like Bangladesh, and the players would have been keen to give their best attempt and prove to the world that they were worthy of playing in the tournament.

Apart from going against the players’ will, the BCB will also face some major financial implications. As per reports, the withdrawal is likely to cost Bangladesh between $300,000 and $500,000 (roughly ₹2.7 crores to ₹4.6 crores) in participation fees for the group stages alone. The ICC can also impose a fine of up to $2 million on Bangladesh for withdrawing from the tournament.