Bangladesh stands by its decision to skip games in India during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, instead pushing for match venues to shift to Sri Lanka. Even so, the ICC holds its ground – schedules won’t bend, and staying away could mean being locked out. Though warned, Dhaka remains firm, seeking neutral soil for their fixtures. Pressure builds, yet no side shows signs of stepping back.
Back at the ICC we take our proposal about playing in Sri Lanka, stated BCB chief Aminul Islam Thursday, following talks in Dhaka involving board members, state figures, when also Bangladeshi cricketers attended. This move comes after the ICC warned clearly: unless Bangladesh commits to holding games in India, then Scotland steps in for Group C.
A day was given by the ICC to BCB, asking them to talk with their government first. After that time passed, a call on involvement would come. Twenty-four hours they gave us, though one world group cannot truly set such terms, said Islam to journalists. Playing the tournament matters to us, yet stepping into India isn’t going to happen. Still pushing forward we stay, even when holding firm on how things must be done.
What stands out is how Islam pointed to the wider ripple effect if Bangladesh gets left out. Missing those games means the ICC loses access to a huge audience – around two hundred million fans could be shut out of the World Cup experience, he noted. That number reflects just how much the nation adds when it comes to following cricket worldwide.
On February 7, Bangladesh kicks off its campaign at Eden Gardens, facing the West Indies. That stadium hosts two more games in the group phase. Their last match in Group C happens in Mumbai, versus Nepal, at Wankhede. Tensions rose sharply when Mustafizur Rahman, a key pace bowler, got pulled from the IPL without warning. Sources say BCCI directed the move, tied to political friction behind the scenes.
ICC says Bangladesh team safe in India
Still, the ICC said again they already had full safety steps ready. Because of this, officials explained they sent the BCB complete outside reviews, site-specific arrangements. Along with official confirmations from local hosts – each one showing clearly that the Bangladeshi squad faced no real or proven danger while touring India
“Despite these efforts, the BCB maintained its position, repeatedly linking its participation in the tournament to a single, isolated. And unrelated development concerning one of its players’ involvement in a domestic league,” an ICC spokesperson said after a board meeting held via video conference. “This linkage has no bearing on the tournament’s security framework or the conditions governing participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.”
Bangladesh Government Dismisses ICC Promises
However, the Bangladeshi government has dismissed these assurances. Asif Nazrul, a youth and sports adviser in the interim government, said the ICC had failed to address Bangladesh’s security concerns adequately. “The ICC has failed to convince us on the security question and has taken no stand on our grievances,” he said. “Even the Indian government did not communicate with us or try to assuage our fears. We are hopeful that ICC will give us the opportunity to play in Sri Lanka. It is our government who has decided not to go to India.”
Earlier, before talks moved forward, Bangladesh skipper Litton Das wasn’t sure if his side would play. Standing by the field after a local game, he said things looked unclear – not just for him, but for all involved. His words showed how unsettled the players felt.
Trouble in ties between India and Bangladesh started growing after August last year. That was when ex–Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka amid protests and arrived in New Delhi. Accusations flew as Bangladesh claimed India had interfered at home – backing Hasina while she held power. Meanwhile, an added twist emerges: the nation plans to vote again, the first time since Hasina fell, right around the same weeks as the World Cup unfolds. This timing may be nudging leaders toward restraint. The tournament looms large on their choices.
Bangladesh holds firm on playing the T20 World Cup games in Sri Lanka while talks go on. Creating quiet friction with the ICC around involvement and global cricket relations.
