The International Cricket Council is giving importance to the BCB’s position

Uncertainty still surrounds Bangladesh’s participation in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has raised serious security concerns regarding matches scheduled in India. The board has formally communicated its apprehensions to the International Cricket Council (ICC), emphasising its preference for ensuring player safety before committing to travel.

In response, the BCB has confirmed that the ICC has expressed a clear commitment to addressing the board’s concerns. According to a statement from the BCB, the ICC has assured that it will prioritise Bangladesh’s uninterrupted and safe participation in the tournament. “The ICC is firmly committed to ensuring that Bangladesh can compete fully and without hindrance,” the board said.

Security has been the central issue. The BCB had previously highlighted several potential risks, prompting the ICC to express its willingness to work closely with the board to mitigate any threats. The governing body has also indicated that Bangladesh’s input will be taken seriously as part of the broader security planning for the event.

This clarification comes in the wake of reports by cricket news outlet Cricinfo, which suggested that the ICC had allegedly issued an ultimatum to Bangladesh, stating that the team must play in India or face points deductions. The BCB has categorically denied these claims, describing them as “completely false and baseless,” and stressed that the ongoing communications with the ICC do not reflect any such ultimatum.

The BCB remains hopeful that continued dialogue will lead to a practical and cooperative solution, allowing Bangladesh to participate fully in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The team is placed in Group C, alongside Nepal, Italy, England, and the West Indies. Originally, the first three matches were scheduled in Kolkata, with the fourth in Mumbai. However, due to the newly identified security risks in India, the BCB has formally expressed reluctance to host these fixtures there.

Group C – 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Schedule (Tentative)

The BCB has emphasised that a mutually respectful dialogue with the ICC is crucial to finalising arrangements, and hopes that a solution will allow the Bangladeshi side to compete safely and successfully in the international tournament.