Bangladesh won’t play T20 World Cup in India

Bangladesh won’t play T20 World Cup in India BCB's official statement

A virtual meeting between officials of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday ended without progress, as Bangladesh maintained its refusal to travel to India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

In an official statement, the BCB said it had once again conveyed its concerns over security and reiterated its request for Bangladesh’s matches to be moved out of India. The board emphasized that its position remained firm despite appeals from the global governing body.

The ICC, for its part, pointed out that the tournament schedule has already been finalized and urged the BCB to reconsider its stance. However, Bangladesh officials remained unconvinced, leading both sides to agree to continue discussions in search of a possible resolution.

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Bangladesh authorities believe it would be unsafe for players, team officials, and supporters to travel to India amid heightened diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries. The ICC’s own risk assessment, however, has reportedly found no direct or immediate security threat to the Bangladesh team during the February 7 to March 8 tournament.

Reaffirming its priorities, the BCB said it remains focused on protecting the welfare of its players and staff while continuing dialogue with the ICC.

The Bangladesh board has formally written to the ICC on two occasions, requesting that its World Cup fixtures be shifted to Sri Lanka as an alternative co-host. With the tournament less than a month away, however, the ICC is understood to be reluctant to alter the existing schedule.

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Under the current itinerary, Bangladesh are set to play three group-stage matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.

The issue gained further momentum after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders on January 3 to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad, without publicly stating a reason. Since then, Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul—who is expected to have a decisive role in approving the team’s travel—has been vocal in pushing for Bangladesh’s matches to be relocated.

Following Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the IPL roster, the Bangladesh government also imposed a ban on the broadcast of the Indian Premier League within the country.

crifosports/13January26/AZ