The International Cricket Council has made its position clear. Bangladesh confirm by Jan 21 whether it go to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, or it replaced in the tournament. With the opening match just weeks away, the situation has become critical for everyone involved.
Several meetings between the International Cricket Council and the Bangladesh Cricket Board have not resolved the impasse. What started as a diplomatic issue has now turned into a serious matter regarding tournament integrity.
Why Bangladesh Is Reluctant to Travel to India
The BCB has emphasized that Bangladesh wants to take part in the T20 World Cup but not in India. The board has pointed to player safety concerns due to recent political unrest at home and the controversial decision to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL 2026 squad of Kolkata Knight Riders, a choice influenced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
This incident increased pressure on the BCB domestically, prompting officials to take a strong public stance. The board since requested that Bangladesh’s matches be moved to Sri Lanka, the co-host country for the tournament.
ICC Refuses to Alter Schedule or Groups
The ICC has shown little willingness to compromise. Officials have stated that the original schedule will remain in place and that moving specific teams is not possible at this time. Bangladesh is in Group C and set to play several matches in India, beginning with a well-publicized game against the West Indies in Kolkata.
Suggestions to swap groups with Ireland and shift Bangladesh to fixtures based in Sri Lanka also turned down. From the ICC’s viewpoint, any last-minute changes would upset broadcast commitments, ticket sales, and logistical planning across the two host nations.
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