The International Cricket Council (ICC) has drawn a firm line in its ongoing standoff with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), setting a January 21 deadline for Dhaka to confirm whether its team will travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Failure to comply could see Bangladesh replaced by Scotland, the next highest-ranked eligible team.
The impasse follows nearly three weeks of discussions between the ICC and the BCB, during which Bangladesh has maintained its reluctance to play matches in India. At a meeting held in Dhaka on Saturday the second in a week the BCB reiterated its position that Bangladesh is willing to participate in the tournament only if its matches are shifted to Sri Lanka, citing domestic political sensitivities and security concerns.
The ICC, however, has rejected all such proposals, maintaining that the tournament schedule announced months ago will not be altered. Officials have reiterated that there is no specific security threat to any visiting team in India.
With the tournament opener just three weeks away, patience within the ICC has reportedly worn thin. According to ESPNcricinfo, logistical and commercial considerations leave no room for a late reshuffle, particularly given the absence of any concrete security issues.
Bangladesh are currently scheduled to open their campaign against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on February 7. This will be followed by two more matches at the same venue before their final group fixture in Mumbai.
One of the BCB’s last proposals swapping groups with Ireland to allow Bangladesh to play all matches in Sri Lanka was also dismissed. Cricket Ireland later confirmed it had received “definitive assurances” that its fixtures would remain unchanged.
The ICC has warned that any group reshuffle would pose significant challenges for broadcasters, ticketing partners, and participating nations. An independent security assessment shared with all 20 teams has classified India’s overall threat level as medium to high consistent with previous global events but found no direct risk to Bangladesh.
Despite repeated assurances, the BCB has held its ground, a stance reportedly backed by the Bangladesh government. ICC officials have indicated that unless Bangladesh reverses its decision within the next 72 hours, the tournament will proceed without them.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com