The International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to reconsider its refusal to travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, even as Bangladesh reiterated its concerns over security and pressed for neutral venues.
In a media release issued from Dhaka on Tuesday, the BCB confirmed it held a video conference with the ICC to discuss Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament, scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8, 2026, and co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The board said it reaffirmed its decision not to play matches in India and requested that its fixtures be shifted to neutral venues.
The meeting was attended by BCB president Mc Aminul Islam, vice-presidents Md Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, director Nazmul Abedeen, and CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury. According to the BCB, the ICC highlighted that the tournament schedule has already been announced and urged Bangladesh to reconsider its position. However, the board maintained that its stance remains unchanged, with both sides agreeing to continue discussions.
While the BCB’s statement remained diplomatic, it underscored a firm position centered on the safety and well-being of players, officials, and staff. The board did not specify the exact nature of the security concerns or propose alternative host venues, but avoided any language suggesting withdrawal from the tournament.
For the ICC, the situation presents a challenge in balancing tournament integrity with the concerns of a member board, especially as venues, logistics, and commercial commitments are already in place. With the World Cup fast approaching, the outcome will depend on whether the ICC can offer assurances or compromises that convince Bangladesh to travel, or whether the global body chooses to hold firm on the existing itinerary.