The ICC has firmly rejected Bangladesh’s request to relocate their T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka, issuing an ultimatum to participate as scheduled or be replaced by Scotland. Following an ICC Board meeting on January 21 via video conference, all member boards except Bangladesh and Pakistan voted to maintain the original schedule. The decision comes amid ongoing political tensions between these two nations and India, with the BCB citing security concerns following the BCCI’s instruction to Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad. As Bangladesh holds emergency meetings with their T20 World Cup squad to decide their next move, the cricketing world watches closely.
ICC’s Security Assessment and Stance
The ICC conducted multiple independent security reviews, all concluding there is no credible threat to Bangladesh players, officials, media personnel, or fans at Indian venues. The world body engaged in sustained dialogue with the BCB over several weeks, sharing comprehensive security plans and formal assurances from host authorities. According to Bangladesh’s original schedule, their matches were planned for Kolkata and Mumbai with layered federal and state law-enforcement support.
The ICC emphasized that altering the schedule without genuine security concerns would set a dangerous precedent, undermining the neutrality and integrity of future tournaments. The governing body stated that relocating fixtures would create significant logistical challenges for other teams and fans worldwide.
Bangladesh’s Dilemma and Final Decision
The BCB has consistently linked its participation concerns to the Mustafizur Rahman episode, which the ICC dismissed as “a single, isolated and unrelated development” with no bearing on tournament security. Despite detailed security assessments and host guarantees, Bangladesh maintains that conditions aren’t conducive for their team’s travel to India.
With Scotland ready as a replacement, Bangladesh faces a critical choice that could impact their World Cup participation and future relations with the ICC. The decision deadline looms as the tournament approaches.
