ICC threatens to kick Bangladesh out of T20 World Cup

ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has sent a clear warning to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that if Bangladesh continues to refuse to play its T20 World Cup matches in India, it could be removed from the tournament and replaced by another team.

The ICC has instructed the BCB to consult with the Bangladeshi government and immediately communicate its final position to the council.

According to Cricinfo, the ICC board voted on the matter, with a majority supporting the inclusion of a replacement team if Bangladesh withdraws. The BCB has been given one day to clarify its stance, after which a final decision may be taken.

Scotland could replace Bangladesh in Group C

Sources said that if Bangladesh is removed, Scotland could be included in Group C, despite having failed to qualify directly for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Scotland finished behind the Netherlands, Italy, and Jersey in the European Qualifier.

Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play Group C matches on February 7, 9, and 14 in Kolkata, with its final group match on February 17 in Mumbai. The ICC’s current board meeting is expected to deliver the final ruling on this matter.

ICC board meeting under way

The ICC board’s key meeting is currently under way in Dubai, with directors from all full member nations in attendance.

Present at the meeting are ICC Chairman Jay Shah, BCB President Aminul Islam, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, along with other cricket board heads and representatives from full and associate member countries.

Sources say an independent security agency report prepared for the ICC assessed the security risks for teams playing in India as moderate to slightly high. However, the report also noted that there is no verified intelligence of any direct threat against any participating team.

ICC statement: T20 World Cup matches to proceed as scheduled

Meanwhile, the ICC issued a statement affirming that the T20 World Cup matches will go ahead as per the schedule, and Bangladesh’s games will be played in India as planned.

The decision was made during a video conference meeting of the ICC board, which included discussions on BCB’s request to shift its matches from India to Sri Lanka. ICC officials stressed that there is no threat to Bangladeshi players, officials, or fans at any venue in India, and that changing venues so close to the tournament is not feasible.

Correspondence and meetings between the ICC and BCB regarding the potential relocation of matches have taken place, and the BCB has been formally informed of the ICC’s decision.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has rejected reports claiming that the ICC had set a deadline for the board.

BCB official Imzad Hossain clarified that the ICC has not given them any deadline. He added that the ICC has not set a specific date regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the World Cup, and that the BCB has formally requested a change of venue to the International Cricket Council.