The ICC has dismissed Bangladesh’s request to relocate its matches from India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, insisting on no changes despite security claims.
The ICC rejects Bangladesh’s plea to play T20 World Cup matches outside India on 21 January 2026. The decision followed weeks of dialogue after the Bangladesh Cricket Board cited security concerns linked to bilateral tensions. The tournament starts on 7 February in India and Sri Lanka.
The rejection underscores the ICC’s commitment to maintaining tournament integrity across South Asia, where cricket diplomacy often intersects with political relations. Any disruption could affect regional participation in future events.
ICC Bangladesh Security Concerns Dismissed
The ICC stated that independent security assessments found no credible threats to Bangladesh players, officials, media, or fans in India. “The decision was taken after considering all security assessments conducted, including independent reviews, all of which indicated there was no threat to Bangladesh players, media persons, officials and fans at any of the tournament venues in India,” an ICC spokesperson said.
Bangladesh had formally requested a shift to Sri Lanka on 4 January, after refusing to play in India. This stemmed from the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman by his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, amid political pressures. The BCB linked participation to this incident, which the ICC deemed unrelated to tournament security.
“It was noted that it was not feasible to make changes so close to the tournament and that altering the schedule under the circumstances, in the absence of any credible security threat, could set a precedent that would jeopardise the sanctity of future ICC events and undermine its neutrality as a global governing body,” the ICC added.
Security experts rated the overall risk as low to moderate, consistent with standard international events. The ICC shared detailed venue plans and host assurances with the BCB, but the board maintained its stance.
Bangladesh T20 World Cup India Standoff
Bangladesh is placed in Group C alongside England, with group matches scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai. The team announced its squad on 4 January, including captain Litton Das and Mustafizur Rahman, signalling initial intent to participate despite the dispute.
BCB president Aminul Islam reiterated concerns post-rejection. “Playing in India right now is not safe for us; we want to play in Sri Lanka,” he told reporters. Bangladesh sports adviser Asif Nazrul echoed this, stating the government would not send the team under pressure. “If the ICC bows to pressure from the Indian cricket board and tries to impose pressure on us by setting unreasonable conditions, we will not accept those conditions,” Nazrul said.
The standoff recalls past instances, such as Pakistan’s refusal to tour India, leading to venue shifts. However, the ICC rejected similar accommodations here, including a group swap with Ireland.
Pakistan Cricket Board supported Bangladesh, offering to host matches and citing shared security concerns. This highlights broader South Asian dynamics, where bilateral issues influence multilateral events.
T20 World Cup 2026 Replacement Option
The ICC gave the BCB until 22 January to confirm participation or face replacement. Reports indicate Scotland, based on rankings, would step in if Bangladesh withdraws.
Cricinfo reported this contingency, noting the ICC Board’s decision to uphold the schedule. “Should they continue to refuse, the ICC Board will replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament, based on team rankings,” the outlet stated.
This potential T20 World Cup 2026 replacement could alter group dynamics and affect qualification paths for other teams. Scotland, absent from recent majors, would gain exposure in the 20-team format.
Background of Why ICC Rejects Bangladesh
Tensions escalated after Mustafizur’s IPL release on 2 January, prompted by BJP pressures amid anti-Bangladesh sentiments in India. Bangladesh responded by banning IPL broadcasts and refusing travel.
The BCB’s plea followed, emphasising player safety. An ICC delegation visited Dhaka last week but failed to resolve the issue. The board rejected the ICC’s security assurances, claiming they validated risks, though the ICC called such interpretations inaccurate.
Independent reviews, including from global experts, classified risks as standard. No specific threats were identified, contrasting BCB claims.
The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, features 55 matches across 9 venues. Bangladesh’s group includes 4 games, all in India under the original draw.
What’s Next
The BCB plans to consult the government one final time. Aminul Islam sought a day’s extension for discussions. If Bangladesh proceeds, preparations intensify; otherwise, the ICC enacts replacement by 23 January.
Stakeholders monitor for impacts on future tours, including Asia Cup 2027. Regional boards may push for clearer protocols on security disputes.
The ICC rejects Bangladesh T20 World Cup plea sets a firm tone, prioritising schedule stability amid regional pressures.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 22nd, 2026
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