The Bangladesh government has officially ruled out sending the national cricket team to India for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, citing "genuine security risks" and a volatile regional political environment.

The announcement, made by Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul on Thursday, confirms that Bangladesh will boycott the tournament unless the International Cricket Council (ICC) moves their matches to a neutral venue, specifically Sri Lanka.

Speaking to the media following a meeting with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and national players, Nazrul asserted that the safety of the delegation is a non-negotiable state priority.

“Bangladesh is not traveling to India to play the World Cup due to the security risk—this is a decision made by the Bangladesh government. No other entity has any rights to take this decision,” he declared.

The decision directly defies a 24-hour ultimatum issued by the ICC on Wednesday. The global governing body had rejected the BCB’s relocation request, stating that independent assessments found no credible threat to the team in India.

The ICC warned that if Bangladesh continues its refusal, they will be replaced in the tournament—likely by Scotland—based on current rankings. Addressing the potential sporting and financial fallout, the Sports Adviser argued that national dignity must come before the game.

“Pushing our players, fans and journalists into a genuine risk amidst this regional political situation, with our heads bowed down... is a damage that must be weighed,” he said.

He further noted that the demand for a venue change is valid, pointing to precedents where matches were moved for other nations under similar circumstances.

The standoff began earlier this month following the controversial removal of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and escalating diplomatic tensions.

While the ICC remains firm on the original schedule—which has Bangladesh playing group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai—the Bangladesh government maintains that it will only participate if the matches are held in Sri Lanka.