The International Cricket Council (ICC) has found no credible security threat to Bangladeshi players in India and has, for now, rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to relocate its matches from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
According to a Cricbuzz report, the matter was discussed during an online meeting between ICC officials and BCB representatives on Tuesday, January 6. During the discussion, the ICC said it had no specific or actionable security inputs suggesting any risk to the Bangladesh team while playing in India. Therefore, the ICC sees no reason to change the tournament’s venues or schedule at this stage.
The meeting came after an emergency BCB meeting on January 4. Following that, the BCB formally wrote to the ICC, asking that Bangladesh’s matches be moved outside India to “ensure the safety and well-being” of its players, officials, board members, and other stakeholders. However, the ICC’s current position does not match this request. While no written decision was issued on Tuesday, sources say there is no immediate indication of a change in stance.
Conflicting claims over ICC communication
The BCB later confirmed it has received communication from the ICC regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament. The ICC reiterated its commitment to ensuring the “full and uninterrupted participation” of the Bangladesh team in the T20 World Cup 2026. A formal response from Bangladesh is expected by January 10.
Bangladesh Cricket Board confirms it has received communication from ICC over issue of Bangladesh’s participation in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the ‘full & uninterrupted participation’ of the Bangladesh team in the tournament. pic.twitter.com/gsNaGdL0gu
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 7, 2026
Bangladesh are scheduled to play three Group C matches in Kolkata—against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14. They will then face Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.
Meanwhile, differing versions have emerged about the ICC’s message. ESPNcricinfo reported that the ICC rejected the relocation request and warned Bangladesh that failure to travel to India could result in forfeiting points. The BCB has denied receiving any such ultimatum. So far, neither the ICC nor the BCCI has released an official statement on the meeting.
This development comes less than a month before the 20-team tournament begins on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka, with the final scheduled for March 8.
The BCB’s letter to the ICC was triggered by the BCCI’s directive asking Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was bought at the IPL auction for ₹9.2 crore. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision publicly, but no official reason was given. Reports suggest the IPL Governing Council did not meet on the issue, raising questions over the process.
In response, the BCB banned the broadcast of the IPL in Bangladesh. At the same time, Mustafizur is set to play in the Pakistan Super League, as confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board. This has added to the growing tension, even as the ICC maintains that, from a security standpoint, there is no change to Bangladesh’s participation in the World Cup.
