The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a final ultimatum to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), asking it to confirm by January 21 whether the national team will travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026. Failure to do so will result in Bangladesh being replaced by Scotland, the next highest-ranked team.
After nearly three weeks of discussions, the standoff appears to have reached a breaking point. A second high-level meeting held in Dhaka on Saturday ended without any change in stance. The BCB reiterated that while Bangladesh wishes to participate in the tournament, it prefers to play its matches in Sri Lanka, citing security concerns and political sensitivities at home.
The ICC has firmly rejected this demand, stating that the tournament schedule, announced months ago, will not be altered. Officials have maintained that there is no specific security threat to visiting teams in India.
With the tournament set to begin in less than three weeks, the ICC’s patience is wearing thin, according to an ESPNcricinfo report. Bangladesh are scheduled to open their campaign against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on February 7, followed by two more matches at the same venue and a final group game in Mumbai. The ICC believes a last-minute change would create major logistical and commercial complications.
ICC Rejects All BCB Proposals
The BCB’s proposal to swap groups with Ireland so Bangladesh could play all its matches in Sri Lanka has also been turned down. Cricket Ireland has confirmed receiving assurances that its fixtures will remain unchanged. The ICC views any group reshuffle as disruptive for broadcasters, ticketing partners and other participating teams.
An independent security assessment shared with all 20 teams has rated India’s overall threat level as medium to high, similar to previous global events, and has not identified any specific risk to Bangladesh. Despite repeated reassurances, the BCB has held its position, reportedly with backing from the Bangladesh government.
Unless Bangladesh reverses its decision within the next 72 hours, the ICC is expected to proceed with Scotland as their replacement.
Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule
- Feb 7, 2026: West Indies vs Bangladesh — Eden Gardens, Kolkata (3:00 PM IST)
- Feb 9, 2026: Bangladesh vs Italy — Eden Gardens, Kolkata (11:00 AM IST)
- Feb 14, 2026: England vs Bangladesh — Eden Gardens, Kolkata (3:00 PM IST)
- Feb 17, 2026: Bangladesh vs Nepal — Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (7:00 PM IST)