The Bangladesh Cricket Board on Monday said it has not yet received a final reply from the International Cricket Council on its request to move Bangladesh’s matches outside India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
In a media release, the BCB explained recent discussions around an ICC communication. The Board said the letter mentioned earlier was part of an internal exchange with the ICC Security Department. It focused on security assessments for the Bangladesh team. The BCB said this message should not be seen as an official decision on venue relocation.
Earlier, Youth and Sports Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul shared details of the ICC security warning. Speaking to reporters at the Bangladesh Football Federation building, he said the ICC had raised concerns about Bangladesh travelling to India for the tournament.
Nazrul said the ICC security team identified three issues that could increase risk. One of them was the inclusion of left arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman in the squad. He also said the ICC warned that problems could arise if fans wear Bangladesh jerseys at the venues.
“The ICC’s security team said in an email that there could be security problems in India if Mustafizur Rahman is included in the Bangladesh squad and if spectators wear Bangladesh jerseys,” Nazrul said.
He added that the ICC also mentioned that security risks may rise further as Bangladesh’s election period draws closer.
Based on these concerns, Nazrul said Bangladesh will not go to India under any circumstances. He said the BCB has already written twice to the ICC to clearly state its stance.
“There is no situation whatsoever for our team to compete there,” he said.
Nazrul also rejected claims in Indian media that Bangladesh might agree to play in other Indian cities. He said the issue is not limited to one location.
“Our position is very clear,” he said. “India means India. We did not say Kolkata specifically. Whether it is Chennai or Thiruvananthapuram, it is still India. There is no playing environment for our team anywhere in India at this moment.”
The BCB said it remains in contact with the ICC and is waiting for a clear and official response on the venue issue.
