T20 World Cup standoff: Bangladesh rejects India, Pakistan warns ICC

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reaffirmed its stance to the International Cricket Council (ICC), insisting that Bangladesh should not play its matches in India during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to security concerns.

Senior BCB officials held a detailed meeting with a high-level ICC delegation in Dhaka, where issues related to security, government directives, logistics and tournament scheduling were discussed. The BCB formally proposed that Bangladesh’s World Cup fixtures be relocated to Sri Lanka or another neutral and secure venue.

Sources said the board clearly conveyed the Bangladeshi government’s instructions to the ICC, stressing that the safety of players, support staff and officials remains the top priority. Officials argued that, given the prevailing regional situation, a reassessment of match venues was unavoidable.

To minimise disruption to the tournament schedule, the BCB also suggested that Bangladesh could be placed in a different group if required, allowing venue changes without major administrative complications.

The ICC delegation included General Manager Events and Corporate Communications Gaurav Saxena, who joined the meeting online due to visa delays, and General Manager Integrity Unit Andrew Effergrew, who attended in person. The BCB was represented by President Aminul Islam, Vice President Shakawat Hossain, and other senior officials. Both sides agreed to continue consultations on the sensitive issue.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh government has raised the matter with Pakistan, and federal sources in Islamabad say Pakistan may review its participation in the World Cup if Bangladesh’s concerns are not addressed. Pakistan has reportedly assured Bangladesh of full support, maintaining that no country should be pressured or intimidated.

The ICC is expected to take a final call after further deliberations.