A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup, particularly whether the team will travel to India, is expected by 21 January. The ICC reportedly informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of this deadline during talks in Dhaka on Saturday.
In the discussions, the second between the two sides in a week, the BCB reiterated its preference to play in the T20 World Cup outside India, with Sri Lanka – as co-hosts – seen as the natural alternative. Bangladesh has cited security concerns regarding travel and matches in India. However, the ICC remains firm on the original schedule, which places Bangladesh in Group C.
The impasse has persisted for nearly three weeks, since the BCB first raised its concerns on 4 January. The opening games of the World Cup begin on 7 February, with Bangladesh scheduled to face the West Indies in Kolkata on the first day. The next two group matches are also in Kolkata, followed by the final group game in Mumbai.
The ICC reportedly rejected the BCB’s request to move Bangladesh to Group B, which would have involved swapping places with Ireland, whose matches are in Sri Lanka. Officials familiar with the discussions have indicated that while the overall threat level in India is considered medium to high, there is no direct or specific threat to Bangladesh.
Sources close to the matter say the ICC will await the BCB’s final decision. If Bangladesh opts not to travel to India, the ICC is likely to name a replacement team, with Scotland currently the highest-ranked eligible side.
The tension began after the BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Mustafizur Rahman from its IPL 2026 squad without providing a reason. In response, the Bangladesh government banned IPL broadcasts, and the BCB formally communicated its refusal to play World Cup matches in India – a stance it continues to maintain.
