Confusion and uncertainty have surfaced over Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup in India, following conflicting claims about a key meeting between cricket’s global and national authorities.
Conflicting reports have emerged from a virtual call held on Tuesday between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
According to ESPNcricinfo, the ICC informed the BCB that its request to play Bangladesh’s matches outside India due to security concerns had been rejected. The ICC is understood to have told Bangladesh that the team must travel to India to participate in the T20 World Cup or risk forfeiting points.
Bangladesh board denies ultimatum
The BCB, however, has denied receiving any such ultimatum from the ICC. Board officials maintain that no directive warning of points forfeiture was conveyed during the call.
So far, neither the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) nor the BCB has issued an official statement clarifying the outcome of Tuesday’s discussions.
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The virtual meeting was arranged by the ICC after the BCB wrote to the governing body on Sunday, asking it to “consider” moving Bangladesh’s matches outside India.
The issue comes less than a month before the 20-team men’s T20 World Cup begins. The tournament is scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8, with matches hosted across India and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh’s match schedule in India
Bangladesh, placed in Group C, are set to play their first three matches in Kolkata. These fixtures include games against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14.
Their final group-stage match is scheduled against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.
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The BCB’s move to write to the ICC was triggered by a separate development involving Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman.
Mustafizur Rahman decision
The BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur, who had been bought in the IPL auction in December for INR 9.2 crore. The decision was communicated to the media by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, though no reason was publicly provided.
Mustafizur was the only Bangladesh player purchased at the 2026 IPL auction.
It is understood that the IPL Governing Council did not meet to discuss Mustafizur’s release. This has raised questions about who was involved in the decision beyond the BCCI secretary.
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The lack of clarity has further complicated matters amid growing sensitivities around Bangladesh’s tour to India.
ICC seeks details on security concerns
Sources say the ICC has since asked the BCB to provide details outlining the nature of its security concerns. An email requesting further clarification was reportedly received by the Bangladesh board late Monday night.
According to BCB sources, the board is preparing a detailed response and is expected to reply to the ICC later today.
Despite the uncertainty, preparations for the T20 World Cup continue, with the opening matches set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
With the clock ticking, stakeholders now await formal communication to determine whether Bangladesh’s participation will proceed as scheduled.
