The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has said the International Cricket Council (ICC) is willing to work closely with them to ensure the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
The statement came on Wednesday following a call between the BCB and ICC on Tuesday evening.
The discussion focused on Bangladesh’s refusal to play their group matches in India due to security concerns and the board’s request to consider relocating their fixtures.
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The BCB did not clarify whether the team would eventually travel to India.
“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.”
Earlier ESPNcricinfo reported that the ICC had rejected Bangladesh’s request to move their matches and warned the team could forfeit points if they refused to play in India.
READ: Bangladesh pull out of T20 World Cup matches in India over security concerns
Bangladesh, in Group C, is scheduled to play its first three matches in Kolkata against West Indies (February 7), Italy (February 9), and England (February 14), with their final group game against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.
A forfeiture of points could have effectively ruled Bangladesh out of the tournament, with no replacement team planned.
The BCB, however, denied that any such ultimatum had been issued.
“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 statement 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 BCB said it 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 board added that it remains firmly committed to prioritising the safety, security, and well-being of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team.
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The issue arose after the BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their 2026 IPL squad, without publicly providing a reason.
Mustafizur was the only Bangladesh player selected in the auction, and the directive came amid tensions between the two countries.
