Bangladesh Cricket Board Accuses ICC of Inconsistency Over T20 World Cup Venue

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has publicly criticized the ICC for its refusal to relocate the T20 World Cup matches from India, alleging double standards in the governing body's decisions. BCB President Aminul Islam highlighted the inconsistency in allowing India to host its Champions Trophy matches in the UAE while denying Bangladesh's request. Amid rising security concerns and strained relations between India and Bangladesh, the BCB is advocating for a hybrid model that would allow them to play in Sri Lanka. The ICC's recent rejection of their request has left the BCB firm in its stance against traveling to India for the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 22, 2026, 21:52 IST

BCB Criticizes ICC for Double Standards

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed its discontent with the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the latter denied their request to relocate the ICC Men's T20 World Cup matches from India. BCB President Aminul Islam has accused the ICC of exhibiting double standards, particularly in light of the decision that permitted India to host its 2025 Champions Trophy matches in the UAE instead of Pakistan.

During a press conference in Dhaka on Thursday, following a meeting involving the BCB, national sports adviser, and several players, Aminul Islam emphasized that India was granted the 'privilege' of playing all their Champions Trophy matches at a single venue in Dubai. His comments were made after discussions with Asif Nazrul, the adviser to Bangladesh's interim government, BCB CEO Nizamuddin, and national team players including Nurul Hasan and Shamim Hossain.

Aminul Islam remarked, 'When a country opted not to travel for the Champions Trophy last February, the ICC arranged a neutral venue for them. They played all their matches at that venue, staying in one hotel. This was a privilege,' as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Bangladesh Suggests Hybrid Model with Sri Lanka

The T20 World Cup is set to commence on February 7, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Aminul Islam also mentioned that he proposed a hybrid model to the ICC, suggesting that Bangladesh could play its matches in Sri Lanka.

'We refer to Sri Lanka as co-hosts, but they are not truly co-hosts. They are part of a hybrid model where one country will play,' Aminul explained. 'We indicated to the ICC that due to our government's reluctance to allow us to play in India, we wish to explore this option. However, our request was denied. We will reach out to the ICC today, expressing our readiness to play the World Cup in Sri Lanka instead of India,' he added.

Context of India-Bangladesh Relations

The ICC Board had previously approved a hybrid model for matches between India and Pakistan, allowing Pakistan to host the 2025 Champions Trophy while India played in the UAE. Similarly, Pakistan played its 2025 women's ODI World Cup matches in Sri Lanka while India hosted the tournament.

Tensions have been rising between India and Bangladesh due to increasing incidents of crimes against minorities in Bangladesh. Last year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) requested Kolkata Knight Riders to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad amid demands following these incidents. Following Rahman's removal, the BCB cited safety concerns for the Bangladesh team as a reason for not traveling to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Government's Security Concerns Lead to Decision

Asif Nazrul confirmed that the decision not to travel to India was made by the government due to security concerns. He stated that there is no possibility of reversing this decision. Nazrul noted that both the ICC and the Indian government failed to address their security concerns adequately.

'Let me be clear. The government's decision is not to play in India due to security issues,' Asif Nazrul stated on Thursday. 'The ICC has not been able to convince us regarding security. They have not addressed our grievances, and the Indian government has not communicated with us to alleviate our concerns. They have not acknowledged that the incidents were isolated, nor have they proposed new security measures. The ICC has not shown us any goodwill either,' he added.

ICC Denies BCB's Request, Schedule Stays the Same

On Wednesday, the ICC rejected the BCB's request to move their matches out of India during a video conference aimed at discussing the future course of action.

According to the current schedule, Bangladesh is set to begin its T20 World Cup 2026 journey on February 7 against the two-time champions West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The team, led by Litton Das, will then face Italy on February 9 at the same venue before taking on England. After the match against England, Bangladesh will head to Mumbai to compete against Nepal at Wankhede Stadium.