ISLAMABAD: In a major development ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has categorically refused to send its national team to India and has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka.
As exclusively reported by ‘The News’ in its Sunday edition, the BCB conveyed serious concerns regarding the safety and security of its players, prompting the board to seek a neutral and secure venue for the team. The move has sent ripples through international cricket circles, raising fresh questions over the tournament’s hosting arrangements and intensifying scrutiny over India’s ability to ensure a secure environment for all participating nations.
Sources said the request was under active consideration by the ICC, with Sri Lanka — a designated co-host of the event — emerging as the most viable alternative venue. The BCB’s firm stance reflects growing unease among visiting teams ahead of the global tournament.
In a handout issued on Sunday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board said an emergency meeting of its Board of Directors was convened to review recent developments related to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka.
“The Board reviewed the situation in detail, taking into account developments over the last 24 hours, and expressed deep concern over the overall circumstances surrounding the participation of the Bangladesh national team in matches scheduled to be played in India,” the statement said.
Following a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing situation, ongoing security concerns, and advice from the Bangladesh government, the Board resolved that the national team would not travel to India under the current conditions.
“In light of this decision, the BCB has formally requested the ICC, as the event authority, to consider relocating all of Bangladesh’s matches to a venue outside India,” the statement added.
The Board stressed that the request was aimed at safeguarding the safety and well-being of players, team officials, Board members and other stakeholders, and ensuring participation in a secure and appropriate environment. The BCB said it looked forward to the ICC’s understanding and an urgent response to the matter.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Sports Adviser announced that Bangladesh would not tour India to play in the World Cup, a decision formally announced on Sunday by the BCB. He stated that the decision was welcome, given the context of the aggressive and communal policies of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Tensions had escalated between India and the Bangladesh Cricket Board after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released from the IPL under pressure from Indian extremist groups. Bangladesh has decided to write to the ICC, seeking clarification on the security arrangements for the T20 World Cup in India.
The ICC T20 World Cup currently schedules Bangladesh’s matches in India, with three matches set to be played in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
