T20 World Cup 2026: BCB reiterates stance that Bangladesh won't travel to India, ICC urges board to reconsider
Bangladesh Cricket Board (Image Source: BCB Cricket)
Published - 13 Jan 2026, 05:28 PM• Read time - 3 mins
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reiterated its stance to have its 2026 T20 World Cup fixtures moved out of India amid the deteriorating political ties between the two countries.
The development occurred during a video conference between the BCB and the ICC. The ICC has requested the board to reconsider its position; however, the BCB stayed put on their demand, citing the security of their players.
The BCB was represented on the video conference by the board president Aminul Islam, vice presidents Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, director and chairman of the cricket operations committee Nazmul Abedeen, and chief executive officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.
"During the discussions, the BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns," the BCB said in a statement. "The board also reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh's matches outside India.
"While the ICC highlighted that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested the BCB to reconsider its stance, the board's position remains unchanged. Both parties agreed that discussions will continue to explore possible solutions. The BCB remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of its players, officials and staff while engaging constructively with the ICC to address the matter."
The ICC had shared an internal security assessment, which found no specific threat to Bangladesh players in India. The findings were shared with BCB's security team, suggesting that there was not sufficient reason for the fixtures to be relocated.
The standoff is a result of the BCCI’s decision to expel Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders’ squad ahead of IPL 2026 due to the political state of affairs between the two nations. While it did not lay out an explicit reason, the board’s secretary Devajit Saikia cited “recent developments” as the cause behind the decision.
The matter escalated further as Bangladesh government banned the broadcast of IPL in the country. Then, BCB formally requested the ICC to move its games out of India. There has been significant back and forth between the BCB and ICC in the aftermath of the event, with the BCB staunchly demanding a relocation of its games to ensure the security of its players.
Sports advisor Asif Nazrul has maintained that Bangladesh will not send its players to India.
"We are firm in the position we have taken (regarding venue relocation). We will not change our stance even by an inch. We are not going to India," Shakhawat told reporters following the meeting. "We have stated our position and they are looking for alternatives. The path for discussion is still open.
"Of course, we are in a positive position. There isn't much time, so we will see. Some arrangements will be made quickly. Since the dialogue has started, let's see what happens. But we are firm in our position," he said, adding that both parties are aware time is running out.
"Yes, the time is short. They know that too. Arrangements will be made very soon. I can't say anything more apart from the dialogue is open," he concluded.
