An ICC delegation arrived in Bangladesh on Saturday to hold final discussions over the country’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Despite the meetings, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reiterated that its stance remains unchanged, maintaining its refusal to travel to India due to safety concerns for players, officials, fans, and other stakeholders.
A closed-door meeting lasting around one and a half hours was held between ICC representatives and the BCB and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Following the discussions, the ICC noted Bangladesh’s position and assured the board that a decision would be communicated promptly.
The BCB also released an official statement confirming the discussions. The statement highlighted that the board formally requested the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka and shared the government’s concerns regarding the safety and security of players, fans, media, and other stakeholders. It added that the talks were conducted professionally, with both sides engaging openly on relevant issues.
Gaurav Saxena, ICC General Manager – Events and Corporate Communications, joined the meeting virtually on Saturday due to a visa delay. He is expected to arrive in Bangladesh on Sunday to take part in a full-scale meeting with the BCB, which could prove decisive in determining the next steps regarding Bangladesh’s World Cup participation.
Ahead of the delegation’s arrival, BCB director Iftekhar Rahman Mithu expressed cautious optimism about the face-to-face talks. Speaking to reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Friday, Mithu described the discussions as an important step forward. He confirmed that the BCB president and vice-president would attend the meeting, adding: “We hope a satisfactory outcome will come from these discussions.”
Mithu reiterated that Bangladesh’s position remained firm. He said both the board and the government believed the safety of the team, players, and supporters could not be guaranteed in India, describing this as the central issue under discussion. The BCB president is personally overseeing the matter.
The ICC delegation’s visit follows earlier exchanges via email and a Zoom meeting. While acknowledging progress in communication, Mithu stressed that Bangladesh would not play in India.
The BCB was represented by President Md Aminul Islam, Vice Presidents Md Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Director and Chairman of the Cricket Operations Committee Nazmul Abedeen, and CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury. The ICC delegation included Gaurav Saxena and Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager – Integrity Unit, who attended in person.
Both the BCB and ICC have agreed to continue constructive dialogue to resolve the matter.
