ICC to Visit Bangladesh for Final Discussions on T20 World Cup Participation

ICC's Upcoming Visit to Bangladesh

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to visit Bangladesh for a crucial face-to-face meeting with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in the coming days. This meeting will determine the country's participation in the T20 World Cup 2026. The development follows a video conference held on Tuesday, where discussions centered around the Bangladesh national cricket team's involvement in the T20 international tournament.

Concerns Over Player Safety

Due to safety concerns, the BCB has requested the ICC to relocate matches outside of India, leaving Bangladesh's T20 World Cup fixtures uncertain. This request was prompted after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to exclude fast bowler Mustafizur from their IPL 2026 squad, a decision made amid reports of atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.

BCB's Leadership in Discussions

During the video conference, key figures from the BCB, including President Aminul Islam, Vice Presidents Shakawat Hossain and Faruk Ahmed, along with Cricket Operations Committee Director and CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury, were present. The BCB reiterated its decision not to travel to India, citing security issues, and urged the ICC to consider moving Bangladesh's matches to a safer location.

Ongoing Dialogue Between BCB and ICC

The ICC acknowledged the previously announced tournament schedule and requested the BCB to reconsider its stance. However, the BCB's position remained unchanged. Both parties agreed to continue discussions on potential solutions. The BCB emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of its players, officials, and staff, and expressed its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the ICC to resolve the matter.