BCB say ICC ready to work for a smooth resolution and address concerns about playing T20 World Cup in India.
According to the BCB, the ICC has shown a “willingness to work closely” with the board to guarantee Bangladesh’s “full and uninterrupted participation” in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will begin in India and Sri Lanka on February 7.
Following a call with the ICC the night before to discuss Bangladesh’s reluctance to play their T20 World Cup group matches in India due to security concerns and a potential transfer of their dates, the BCB released a statement on Wednesday. Whether or if Bangladesh would play in India was not mentioned in the statement.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has received response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the Board’s expressed concerns over the safety and security of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team in India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, including the request for relocation of the team’s matches,” the BCB said. “In its communication, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament. The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the Board’s inputs will be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event.”
On Tuesday, it was reported that Bangladesh would lose points if they refused to play in India and that the ICC had denied the BCB’s plea to reschedule their matches. Bangladesh, who are in Group C, will play their first three games in Kolkata on February 7 (against the West Indies), February 9 (against Italy), and February 14 (against England). On February 17, they will play their last group match in Mumbai against Nepal. Bangladesh would essentially be eliminated from the competition if they were to lose points; in this case, it is expected that the ICC will not receive a replacement team.
The BCB, however, denied that the ICC had communicated such an ultimatum. “The BCB has also taken note of certain reports published in a section of the media suggesting that the Board has been issued an ultimatum in this regard,” the BCB said. “The BCB categorically states that such claims are completely false, unfounded and do not reflect the nature or content of the communication received from the ICC.
“The Board will continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant event authorities in a cooperative and professional manner to arrive at an affable and practical solution that ensures the smooth and successful participation of the team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board remains firmly committed to placing the highest priority on the safety, security and well-being of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team.”