Dhaka Dhaka New Delhi (January 8, 2026) – The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has intensified its disagreement against the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the host arrangements for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The BCB has issued another note to the body that governs it insisting for Bangladesh’s cricket matches to be moved to India and relocated to Sri Lanka. This move reveals significant internal conflicts in the BCB and the growing tensions between Bangladesh officials in the field and the ICC The tournament is set to start on February 7, 2026.

The letter, sent on Thursday, addresses specific security concerns outlined by the BCB concerning travel and play in India for the upcoming international tournament. In its statement the BCB emphasized that the current arrangements – three group games in Kolkata and Mumbai pose security risks for officials, players, supporters and other personnel. The second call to action reflects the BCB’s demand that these matches be moved to a co-host Sri Lanka in order to ensure the safety of the team and the broader cricketing community.

Origins of the Row

The controversy began in the month of April, when Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh’s premier fast bowler, was exiled of the Indian Premier League (IPL) team from the Kolkata Knight Riders. The decision taken by BCCI Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was given a reason that was not specified as “developments throughout,” a justification that has since led to sports and political controversy in Bangladesh. The BCB as well as government officials have attributed Rahman’s decision to broader security concerns which have led to concerns about sending the national team to India in the current conditions.

In a press conference In a press conference, senior BCB officials were hesitant to divulge details of the most recent letter. However, a source connected to the board has confirmed that the ICC initially sought clarification regarding the nature of security concerns. This prompted BCB officials to respond with a subsequent comprehensive communication. While the specifics are not yet clear however, the importance of security has been repeated in the past by Bangladesh authorities.

Inside Divisions of the BCB

The sources of the Bangladesh Cricket Board suggest that the venue row has revealed divisions within the body that makes decisions. One group is said to be taking a hardline stance which is in line with the government’s strict decision to ban playing in India in the current political climate. This group, said to be comprised of influential sports advisors and board directors from certain boards and board directors, is in favor of assertive negotiations with the ICC as well as Indian authorities.

A different faction within the BCB prefers an approach that is more diplomatic. The group is said to be in favor of the open discussion and continuous dialogue with the ICC and is seeking assurances for increased security measures instead of the immediate transfer of games. Some of the supporters claim that Bangladesh’s long-standing cooperative relationship with the BCCI BCCI and the wider international cricketers may be threatened by a confrontational stance.

The apparent divergence of views is a reflection of a larger debate in Bangladesh’s cricket authority on how to balance the protocol of diplomatic relations, player welfare and national pride. Officials who support a conciliatory approach highlight the necessity of “foolproof secure arrangements” for the potential trip to India. This emphasizes their desire to play in a safe environment instead of escalating the dispute.

Public Participation in Government and Statements

The Government of Bangladesh has underscored its support for the security concerns raised in the BCB. Touhid Hossain Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, has publicly stated that the Bangladeshi team will never travel to India during the World Cup and reiterated support for Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul’s hardline approach. Hossain pointed out the necessity to ensure safety, not just for the players, but also for media personnel and supporters who will accompany or travel to venues of the tournament.

Additionally, government officials have made the case as a matter of national pride and have emphasized that Bangladesh will not undermine its image by participating in a tournament where security cannot be guaranteed. These remarks reflect the delicate connection between the national interest and sport especially in light of the emotional reaction to the Mustafizur Rahman IPL announcement.

ICC Response, Stance and

The International Cricket Council has not yet announced that it would accept Bangladesh’s request to change the venue of the World Cup matches. As a first response the ICC acknowledged the BCB’s concerns and stated that it was willing to look into and discuss the security concerns discussed. But, there is any confirmation that there will be a venue shift from Sri Lanka or any alternative venue.

ICC officials have been reported to have kept a low profile on specifics but have focused instead on their procedural communication with BCB. The governing body of the world has reiterated its commitment to take the BCB’s concerns seriously and will consult with all stakeholders prior to making arrangements. This cautious response demonstrates the ICC’s delicate balance between defending the tournament’s plans and responding to concerns of the member board.

Cricket Community and Political Dimensions

The controversy has drawn significant interest within the cricketing community and has prompted debate among cricket viewers, commentators, and former players. For a nation that is obsessed with cricket such as Bangladesh the prospect of being left out of World Cup matches on Indian playing fields has not just the implications of sports, but also a cultural and emotional impact. The topic has been debated in the media and cricketing groups as an exercise for diplomatic savvy and some analysts have pointed out the implications that could arise from future bilateral interactions among Bangladesh as well as India.

The political ramifications have also been highlighted as some observers point out that tensions between these two neighboring countries go beyond cricket. Although the authorities of both sides have traditionally maintained good relations however, recent developments in sports and other arenas of bilateral cooperation have occasionally caused tensions. The authorities in Bangladesh are determined to ensure that these circumstances do not negatively impact the dignity and well-being of representatives from the nation.

Event Implications, Logistics and Tournament

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will begin on 7 February 2026 and Bangladesh’s group stage matches scheduled to be played at the Kolkata’s Eden Gardens and Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Bangladesh will play three games at Kolkata along with one game in Mumbai according to the present schedule. These iconic venues emphasize the importance of Asia’s co-hosting function for the tournament, as well as the logistical difficulties of any possible change in the venue.

If the ICC eventually agree to move Bangladesh’s games, it could constitute a significant change within World Cup logistics, requiring the re-calibration of the schedule, travel plans, and other arrangements. Sri Lanka has been suggested by Bangladeshi authorities to be an alternative host, however there is no official confirmation by the ICC has been given.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Officials at the BCB have stated that security concerns go beyond the players, including journalists as well as support staff and travelling supporters. This wide-ranging interpretation of security is a reflection of the board’s comprehensive approach to threat assessments. BCB leadership BCB leadership, especially those who are promoting a strict position insist that security considerations should be more important than the convenience of scheduling or conventional methods.

On the other hand, critics of the hardline approach in Bangladesh assert that negotiating and diplomatic engagement security arrangements could ensure Bangladesh’s participation as well as its relationships with the cricket’s governing bodies. They argue that an abrupt abandonment of fixtures on Indian cricket pitches could have more long-term implications for Bangladesh’s cricketing footprint.

Outlook and the Next Steps

In the midst of World Cup approaches, attention now shifts to what the ICC will react to the BCB’s latest announcement and if the diplomatic channels between the officials in the cricket field of Bangladesh, India, and the ICC will lead to a resolution. The next few weeks will be crucial in the clarification of whether Bangladesh will follow the schedule as it stands or if the venues are altered in response to the increased security worries.

The representatives of the ICC are scheduled to participate in further consultations. A formal response to the BCB’s letter to the BCB is expected however no date has been set. The Bangladesh cricket fraternity comprising fans and former players, is continuing to follow developments with keen interest, highlighting the significance of this multi-faceted dispute.