Standoff Continues Between ICC and BCB Over Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Matches in India
New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday (January 13) "requested" the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to rethink its insistence on moving Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup fixtures out of India, but the BCB maintained its stand, citing security concerns.
In an official statement, the BCB said its position has not shifted despite the ICC’s unwillingness to approve the request. It added that both sides have agreed to keep discussions open to “explore possible solutions”.
The Bangladesh board has approached the ICC seeking relocation of its matches from India, arguing that it does not consider it safe for its players to travel to the country. The move comes after the controversy surrounding the release of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. In response to Mustafizur’s release, the Bangladesh government has imposed a ban on the broadcast of the IPL in the country.
“While the ICC highlighted that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested the BCB to reconsider its stance, the board's position remains unchanged. Both parties agreed that discussions will continue to explore possible solutions,” the BCB said.
“The BCB remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of its players, officials and staff while engaging constructively with the ICC to address the matter," said the BCB after its officials attended the video conference with ICC,” it added.
According to reports, the ICC’s own risk assessment has not identified any specific or direct threat to the Bangladesh team’s safety should it take part in the tournament in India.
During the video conference held on Tuesday, the BCB was represented by its president Aminul Islam, chief executive officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury and other senior officials.
“During the discussions, the BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns. The Board also reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh's matches outside India,” the BCB added.
Bangladesh are slated to play three league-stage matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal and current Test skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto have advised against adopting a very hardline approach, with Tamim warning that present-day decisions could have long-term consequences. Shanto has also spoken about the mental strain players are under at the possibility of missing out on a World Cup.
In contrast, sports ministry adviser Asif Nazrul has taken a firm line, repeatedly asserting that Bangladesh will not withdraw its demand for shifting its matches to co-host Sri Lanka.
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