Bangladesh yet to confirm whether it will travel to India for the 2026 tournament

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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 the “full and uninterrupted participation” of the Bangladesh national team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, the BCB confirmed that discussions took place with the ICC during a call the previous evening. The conversation focused on Bangladesh’s concerns over the safety and security of its players in India, as well as the possibility of relocating their group-stage matches. However, the statement did not clarify whether Bangladesh would ultimately agree to travel to India for the tournament.

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board has received a response from the International Cricket Council 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. “The ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team and has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised. The Board’s inputs will be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event.”

Earlier this week, ESPNcricinfo reported that the ICC had rejected the BCB’s request to move Bangladesh’s matches out of India and had warned that the team would forfeit points if it refused to play there. Bangladesh are placed in Group C and 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 facing Nepal in Mumbai on February 17. Any forfeiture of points would effectively eliminate Bangladesh from the tournament, and it is understood that no replacement team would be added in such a scenario.

The BCB, however, strongly denied receiving any such ultimatum from the ICC. “The BCB has taken note of certain media reports suggesting that the Board has been issued an ultimatum,” 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 board added that it will continue engaging constructively with the ICC and relevant event authorities to find a “practical and amicable solution” that ensures Bangladesh’s participation while prioritising player safety. The BCB reiterated that the security and well-being of the national team remain its highest priority.

The situation escalated after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad, without publicly stating a reason, amid worsening diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.