ICC open to talks over Bangladesh’s participation in T20 World Cup 2026, says BCB

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has stated that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its willingness to work closely with the board to ensure Bangladesh’s full and uninterrupted participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

The BCB issued the statement on Wednesday, January 7, following discussions with the ICC the previous evening. The talks reportedly focused on Bangladesh’s reluctance to play their group-stage matches in India due to security concerns and the possibility of relocating their fixtures. However, the statement stopped short of confirming whether Bangladesh would ultimately play their matches in 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,” said the BCB as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“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,” it added.

Earlier, the ICC had rejected the BCB’s request to relocate Bangladesh’s matches, reportedly warning that the team would forfeit points if they refused to play in India. Placed in Group C, Bangladesh are scheduled to play their first three matches in Kolkata, against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14, before concluding their group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

Any forfeiture of points would effectively eliminate Bangladesh from the tournament, and in such a scenario, it is understood that the ICC would not name a replacement team. However, the BCB has denied claims that the ICC issued any such ultimatum.

"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 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.

"The Board 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 Bangladesh Cricket Board remains firmly committed to placing the highest priority on the safety, security and well-being of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team,” it added.