BCB: ICC willing to address concerns about playing T20 World Cup in India

The BCB has said the ICC has expressed "willingness to work closely" with the board to ensure the "full and uninterrupted participation" of the Bangladesh team in the 2026 T20 World Cup starting on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

The BCB issued a statement on Wednesday following a call with the ICC the previous evening to discuss Bangladesh's refusal to play their T20 World Cup group matches in India due to security concerns and a possible relocation of their fixtures. The statement did not mention whether Bangladesh would play in India or not.

"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has received response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the Board's expressed concerns over the safety and security of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team in India for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, including the request for relocation of the team's matches," the BCB said. "In its communication, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament. The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the Board's inputs will be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event."

ESPNcricinfo reported on Tuesday that the ICC had rejected the BCB's request for Bangladesh's matches to be moved and that they would forfeit points if they refused to play in India. Bangladesh, in Group C, are scheduled to play their first three matches in Kolkata: on February 7 (vs West Indies), February 9 (vs Italy) and February 14 (vs England), with their final group game, against Nepal, in Mumbai on February 17. A forfeiture of points would effectively rule Bangladesh out of the tournament; in such a scenario it is understood the ICC will not get a replacement team.

The BCB, however, denied that the ICC had communicated such an ultimatum. "The BCB has also taken note of certain reports published in a section of the media suggesting that the Board has been issued an ultimatum in this regard," the BCB said. "The BCB categorically states that such claims are completely false, unfounded and do not reflect the nature or content of the communication received from the ICC.

"The Board will continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant event authorities in a cooperative and professional manner to arrive at an affable and practical solution that ensures the smooth and successful participation of the team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board remains firmly committed to placing the highest priority on the safety, security and well-being of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team."

The issue of Bangladesh refusing to play in India arose following a BCCI directive to Kolkata Knight Riders [KKR], instructing the franchise to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from its 2026 squad without specifying a reason publicly, amid deteriorating relations between the two countries.