The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), demanding clarity on their participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup by January 21. Failure to comply could see Scotland step in as a replacement, based on current T20 rankings.
This development follows a tense meeting in Dhaka between ICC officials and BCB representatives. The core issue revolves around Bangladesh’s reluctance to send their team to India for group-stage matches due to heightened security concerns. The BCB has cited a security advisory labeling India as a ‘medium to high risk’ zone, urging a shift of their games to Sri Lanka.
ICC, however, remains firm. They have assured that no specific threats target the Bangladesh team in India. Proposals to swap group opponents with Ireland or relocate all matches were outright rejected. Bangladesh is scheduled for three group games in Kolkata and one in Mumbai, starting February 7.
Tensions escalated further when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman ahead of IPL 2026. Rahman, bought for a whopping 9.2 crore rupees last year, symbolizes the BCB’s growing apprehensions over player safety.
As the deadline looms, the BCB must decide swiftly. The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, hangs in balance for Bangladesh. Scotland, waiting in the wings, could make a surprise entry, reshaping the tournament landscape.