With the countdown to the ICC men’s T20 World Cup intensifying, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to take a final call on its participation by January 21, as preparations for the tournament, scheduled to begin on February 7, enter a critical phase.
The directive followed fresh talks between the ICC and the BCB in Dhaka on Saturday, their second meeting in a week, where Bangladesh reiterated its willingness to play the World Cup, but only outside India. With India and Sri Lanka co-hosting the tournament, the BCB has pushed for Sri Lanka as the preferred alternative venue, citing security concerns over travelling and playing in India.
The ICC, however, has stood firm on the original schedule and has made it clear that no changes will be made to Bangladesh’s placement in Group C.
The deadlock has now dragged on for nearly three weeks. The BCB first raised its concerns on January 4, leaving the ICC with little time to resolve the issue with the opening match just weeks away. As per the existing schedule, Bangladesh are set to open their campaign on February 7 against West Indies at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, where they will also play their next two group matches, before concluding the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai.
During Saturday’s discussions, the ICC is understood to have rejected another BCB proposal, a group swap with Ireland. Bangladesh had sought a move to Group B, which plays all its matches in Sri Lanka, in exchange for Ireland. The ICC reportedly assured the BCB that there was no credible security threat to the Bangladeshi team in India and reiterated that independent security assessments had found no cause for concern.
Should Bangladesh ultimately refuse to travel to India, the ICC is expected to invoke its contingency plan and nominate a replacement team. Scotland, based on current rankings, is next in line.
The situation has grown more complicated with Pakistan reportedly reconsidering its own participation in the tournament in support of Bangladesh.
According to reports, Pakistan has backed what it termed Bangladesh’s “legitimate concerns” and has offered to host Bangladesh’s matches if Sri Lanka is unable to do so. Pakistani venues are said to be ready to stage World Cup fixtures at short notice.
Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Nazrul has also stated that the team would be comfortable playing anywhere outside India, including Pakistan or the UAE.
The standoff follows the controversial release of Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026, an episode that appears to have triggered the BCB’s firm stance after it had ordered a ban on airing IPL 2026 matches in the country.