PCB disappointed after decision on Bangladesh's T20 WC participation (Source:X)
In a significant development, the PCB has expressed disappointment after the ICC decided not to change the schedule of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
The ICC rejected the request from the BCB to shift its matches out of India due to political tensions.The decision was taken during the ICC meeting held on Wednesday (January 21), which was attended by board directors from all full member nations.
During the meeting, the ICC made it clear that it was not willing to move Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka. According to reports, the ICC also held a vote during the meeting and agreed that Bangladesh should be replaced if the BCB continues to refuse to travel to India for the tournament.
The ICC has now given the BCB one final day to reverse its decision and confirm participation. If Bangladesh remain firm, Scotland are expected to replace them in the competition.
“It is understood the ICC has told the BCB to inform the Bangladesh government that if Bangladesh continues to refuse to travel to India to play its matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup, then they will be replaced by another team at the tournament,” the report stated.
ICC's verdict on Bangladesh draws disappointment from PCB
The PCB, which supported Bangladesh's request over security concerns, was reportedly unhappy with the outcome.
However, sources have made it clear that Pakistan never considered withdrawing from the T20 World Cup, even if Bangladesh's demand was turned down.
According to a report by TelecomAsia, Pakistan backed Bangladesh's stance on principle. The PCB felt that Bangladesh's concerns should have been treated similarly to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which resulted in India’s matches being moved to Dubai.
“Pakistan backed Bangladesh’s stance on principles because India’s matches were moved out of Pakistan to Dubai, but the same reason by Bangladesh was not accepted, which is disappointing,” the report quoted.
Despite the disappointment, PCB officials confirmed that withdrawal from the T20 World Cup 2026 was never an option.
Officials also pointed out that the 'Men in Green' does not have security concerns at the neutral venue where they are scheduled to play.
ICC-BCB standoff over T20 World Cup 2026
The standoff between the ICC and BCB began earlier this month following the removal of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL.
While the BCCI did not publicly provide a clear explanation, it is widely believed that strained diplomatic relations played a role in the decision.
In response, the BCB wrote to the ICC requesting that their T20 World Cup matches be shifted out of India. However, despite several discussions, the ICC remained firm and refused to change the schedule.
Why will Scotland replace Bangladesh?
If Bangladesh ultimately decides not to participate, Scotland is expected to take their place in Group C.
Scotland is the highest-ranked team among those who competed in the T20 World Cup 2026 qualifiers and finished fourth in the European Qualifiers behind the Netherlands, Italy, and Jersey.
