ICC gives final warning to Bangladesh to resolve T20 World Cup 2026 venue saga

Bangladesh Cricket [Source: AFP]

The ICC has given the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) a strict deadline of January 21 to make a final decision about participating in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This deadline was communicated during a meeting held in Dhaka on Saturday, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo. 

While Bangladesh has clearly expressed its wish to play in the tournament, it has raised strong objections about playing matches in India, mainly due to security concerns.

BCB stays firm on relocation of T20 World Cup 2026

During discussions with the ICC, the BCB repeated its position that it wants to take part in the T20 World Cup, but only if its matches are moved outside India. 

It is important to note that this was the second meeting between the ICC and BCB in the same week. Despite this, Bangladesh has remained firm that the safety of its players is its top priority.

Security concerns after Mustafizur Rahman incident

The situation became complicated after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from the KKR squad. This decision reportedly came after instructions from the BCCI, following reports of minority-related violence in Bangladesh. 

Since then, the BCB has been pushing harder for its World Cup matches to be shifted out of India, citing concerns over the safety of its players.

ICC refuses to change tournament schedule

It is important to note that the ICC has made it clear that it does not want to change the original schedule. As per the current plan, Bangladesh are placed in Group C along with Italy, New Zealand, West Indies, and Nepal. Bangladesh’s first match is scheduled against the West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, which is now only three weeks away. 

The team is also set to play two more group matches in Kolkata, followed by their final group game at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Additionally, the ICC has rejected a proposal that would have allowed Bangladesh and Ireland to swap groups. This change would have moved Bangladesh to Group B, enabling them to play their early matches in Sri Lanka instead of India. 

Notably, the ICC has assured the BCB that India does not pose any security threat to the Bangladesh team. Independent security assessments conducted by international experts have found the overall risk level in India to be low to moderate, which is considered normal for major global events. 

Importantly, these reports did not identify any specific or direct threat to Bangladesh players, officials, or match venues.

Possible replacement if Bangladesh pulls out

ICC sources have indicated that the final decision now rests with the BCB. If Bangladesh refuses to send its team to India, the ICC may name a replacement team, with Scotland being the likely option based on current rankings.

At present, it is still unclear how the ICC will respond to Bangladesh’s demands. However, time is running out, as the T20 World Cup begins on February 7. A final decision is expected very soon, with January 21 being an important date that could decide Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament.