Will not change our stance even by an inch: BCB rigid on relocating T20 WC games

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reiterated that it will not send its team to India for the 2026 ICC men’s T20 World Cup, standing firm on its position despite ongoing discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The BCB issued a statement on Tuesday after a video conference with the ICC, maintaining that security concerns remain the primary reason behind its request to have Bangladesh’s matches moved out of India.

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The 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is scheduled to begin on February 7. As per the current fixture list, Bangladesh are slated to play their first three group matches in Kolkata, with their final group game in Mumbai.

“During the discussions, the BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns,” the board said in its statement.

The board also reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh’s matches outside India.

“While the ICC highlighted that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested the BCB to reconsider its stance, the board’s position remains unchanged. Both parties agreed that discussions will continue to explore possible solutions. The BCB remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of its players, officials and staff while engaging constructively with the ICC to address the matter,” the board said.

The BCB was represented during the meeting by president Aminul Islam, vice presidents Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, director and chairman of the cricket operations committee Nazmul Abedeen, and chief executive officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.

On Monday, the ICC shared an internal security assessment with the BCB, which concluded that there was no specific or elevated threat to the Bangladesh team in India during the tournament.

The report, circulated to the BCB’s security team, stated there was no overall risk to the side, although it did flag low to moderate risks at some venues and low to nil risks at others, classifications routinely used by the ICC and generally not considered grounds for relocating matches.

We are not going to India: BCB VP

BCB vice-president Shakhawat Hossain said that they are hoping for a positive outcome. “We are firm in the position we have taken (regarding venue relocation). We will not change our stance even by an inch. We are not going to India,” Shakhawat told reporters following the meeting.

“We have stated our position and they are looking for alternatives. The path for discussion is still open. Of course, we are in a positive position. There isn’t much time, so we will see. Some arrangements will be made quickly. Since the dialogue has started, let’s see what happens. But we are firm in our position,” he said, adding that both parties are aware time is running out.

“Yes, the time is short. They know that too. Arrangements will be made very soon. I can’t say anything more apart from the dialogue is open,” he concluded.

The issue of Bangladesh playing in India surfaced after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. While no official reason was given for the decision, it came against the backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In response, the Bangladesh government banned the broadcast of the IPL in the country, following which the BCB formally wrote to the ICC, refusing to play its T20 World Cup matches in India.