BCB Remains Firm Despite ICC Request to Play T20 World Cup in India

Sports Desk, Rtv News

Publish : 14 Jan 2026, 10:17 AM

Photo: Collected

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reiterated its refusal to send the national team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, maintaining its stance during a high-level meeting with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

In a video conference held on Tuesday, BCB officials informed the ICC that their position remains unchanged due to significant security concerns.

The meeting included BCB President Aminul Islam, Vice Presidents Shakhawat Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Cricket Operations Chairman Nazmul Abedeen, and CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.

"The Board has once again clarified that it is not willing to play in India due to security apprehensions," the BCB stated in a press release. "We have reiterated our request to move Bangladesh's matches to a neutral venue outside of India."

ICC Urges Reconsideration

The ICC representatives noted that the tournament schedule has already been published and urged the BCB to reconsider. However, the BCB maintained that the safety of players, officials, and staff remains their "highest priority." Both parties have agreed to continue discussions to find a potential resolution.

Political Tensions and Security Claims

The standoff is deeply rooted in current geopolitical tensions. Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser, Asif Nazrul, previously stated that playing in India is not feasible under current conditions.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Nazrul referenced a communication suggesting that security risks would escalate if:

Star bowler Mustafizur Rahman is included in the squad.
Bangladeshi fans wear the national jersey in India.
The matches coincide with the lead-up to Bangladesh’s national elections.

"If the ICC expects us to drop our best bowler, or that fans cannot wear their jerseys, or that we should postpone elections for a game—those are unrealistic expectations," Nazrul remarked.

Conflicting Reports on Risk Assessment

The ICC has downplayed these concerns, citing a security report by independent experts that classifies the risk in India as "low to moderate." According to reports in Indian media, ICC sources characterized the claims regarding a "warning letter" as "completely untrue."

An ICC source told news agency PTI: "Professional security consultants have reviewed the situation. At no point was it suggested that Bangladesh would face specific threats. In cities like Kolkata and Mumbai, the risk is classified as low to moderate, which is standard for major international events."

Background of the Dispute

The tension escalated following political friction between the two neighbors and the recent controversy surrounding Mustafizur Rahman’s release from the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Under the current schedule, all four of Bangladesh’s group-stage matches are set to be played in India.

As the BCB refuses to budge, the cricketing world awaits to see if the tournament will adopt a "hybrid model" or if the deadlock will lead to more drastic measures.

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