Bangladesh Cricket Board Stands Firm on T20 World Cup Security Concerns

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has firmly reiterated its demand for the relocation of its T20 World Cup matches from India, citing security concerns for players and officials. Despite the ICC's reluctance to alter the tournament schedule, the BCB remains steadfast in its position. The upcoming World Cup, starting on February 7, has already scheduled matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. The BCB's repeated requests for relocation stem from ongoing security apprehensions, particularly following recent violence in Bangladesh. With mixed opinions within the cricket community and a firm stance from the government, the situation continues to evolve as discussions with the ICC persist.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 16:21 IST

BCB's Stance on T20 World Cup Matches

Dhaka, Jan 13: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed its dissatisfaction with the International Cricket Council's (ICC) unwillingness to relocate Bangladesh's matches from India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, emphasizing its commitment to prioritizing the safety of players and officials.

Following a video conference with the ICC, the BCB reiterated its unchanged position, despite the ICC's request for reconsideration. Both organizations agreed to keep the dialogue open in hopes of finding a viable solution.

The BCB stated, "Although the ICC pointed out that the tournament schedule has been finalized and asked us to rethink our stance, we remain firm. We will continue discussions to explore potential alternatives."

The T20 World Cup is set to commence on February 7, with Bangladesh scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. The ICC appears reluctant to modify the existing schedule.

The BCB has formally reached out to the ICC multiple times, requesting the relocation of its matches due to security apprehensions.

However, the ICC's risk assessment report does not indicate any specific threats to the Bangladesh team if they participate in the tournament in India.

During the discussions, the BCB reaffirmed its decision against traveling to India, citing security issues, and reiterated its request for match relocation.

The video conference included BCB president Aminul Islam, CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury, and other senior officials, all emphasizing the importance of player and staff safety.

The call for relocation intensified after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad amid reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

In response, the Bangladesh government has banned IPL broadcasts within the country.

Opinions within the Bangladesh cricket community are mixed. Former captain Tamim Iqbal and current Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto have both expressed caution, with Tamim warning of potential long-term consequences from current decisions.

Shanto has also highlighted the psychological strain players face at the thought of missing out on a World Cup.

The Bangladesh government remains resolute, with sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul consistently asserting that the country will not waver from its demand for match relocation, ideally to co-host Sri Lanka.