Bangladesh Cricket Board Reiterates Stance on T20 World Cup Participation Amid Security Concerns

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has firmly reiterated its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup in India, citing security concerns for its players and officials. In a recent video conference with the ICC, the BCB requested that its matches be relocated, emphasizing the need for player safety. Despite the ICC's reassurances regarding security assessments, BCB officials remain steadfast in their position. The BCB's Youth and Sports Adviser highlighted specific threats related to the team's safety, particularly as elections approach. The BCB is advocating for the opportunity to play in Sri Lanka instead. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7, with Bangladesh set to face West Indies in their opening match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 15:39 IST

Video Conference with ICC

On Tuesday afternoon, a video conference took place between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to discuss the participation of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The BCB delegation included President Aminul Islam, Vice Presidents Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Director and Chairman of the Cricket Operations Committee Nazmul Abedeen, and CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.

BCB's Firm Position on India Boycott

During the meeting, the BCB reaffirmed its decision to avoid traveling to India due to security issues. The Board also reiterated its request for the ICC to consider moving Bangladesh's matches to a different location. Although the ICC pointed out that the tournament schedule has already been set and urged the BCB to reconsider, the Board's stance remains unchanged. Both parties agreed to continue discussions to find potential solutions, with the BCB emphasizing its commitment to the safety of its players, officials, and staff.

Divergent Security Assessments

Earlier, Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh's Youth and Sports Adviser, stated that there is 'no atmosphere to play' the T20 World Cup in India, referencing a letter from the ICC's security team, as reported by the state news agency BSS. However, ICC sources indicated that independent risk assessments conducted by recognized security experts did not conclude that Bangladesh could not participate in the scheduled matches, assessing the overall security risk in India as low to moderate, which aligns with many major global sporting events.

Key Security Threats Identified

Asif Nazrul addressed the media at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Bhaban, mentioning three specific security concerns outlined in the security team's letter. He noted that the risks would increase if Mustafizur Rahman is part of the team, if supporters wear the national jersey, and as elections approach, the security threat to the Bangladesh team would heighten. Nazrul argued that these observations confirm that conditions are unsuitable for Bangladesh to compete in the T20 World Cup in India.

Call for Matches in Sri Lanka

Nazrul expressed that cricket should not be monopolized by any entity, stating that the outcome of the game should not be dictated by market management. He urged the ICC, as a global organization, to allow Bangladesh to play the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, insisting that no concessions would be accepted in this matter.

Bangladesh's T20 World Cup Schedule

The T20 World Cup is set to commence on February 7. Bangladesh will kick off their campaign against two-time champions West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Following this match, they will face Italy on February 9 at the same venue, then take on the 2022 T20 World Cup champions, England, and conclude their group-stage matches against Nepal on February 17.