The ongoing standoff between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over Bangladesh's participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 took a new turn on Saturday, with the BCB proposing an alternative solution-shifting them to a different group.
The latest development emerged after a crucial meeting between the two parties in Dhaka, held to address Bangladesh's refusal to travel to India for the tournament.
A two-member ICC delegation had been scheduled to attend the meeting. While Gaurav Saxena, ICC's General Manager (Events and Corporate Communications), could not be physically present due to a delayed visa and joined virtually, Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager (Integrity Unit), attended in person. Senior BCB
officials, including BCB's Md Aminul Islam, represented the Bangladesh board.
Reaffirming their position yet again, the BCB maintained that the team would not travel to India under the current circumstances. The board reiterated security concerns and cited the stance of the Bangladesh government. "During the discussions, the BCB reiterated its formal request to the ICC to relocate Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka. The Board also shared the Bangladesh Government's views and concerns on safety and security of the team, Bangladeshi fans, media and other stakeholders," the board stated.
While the ICC has previously urged the BCB to reconsider, Dhaka remained unmoved. In a significant addition to the conversation, the BCB noted: "Among other points, the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group as a means of facilitating the matter with minimum logistical adjustments was discussed. "
India and Sri Lanka are jointly hosting the T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on February 7. Bangladesh are currently placed in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal, with three of their matches slated for Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and one at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
The root of the conflict traces back to the removal of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL following orders from the BCCI-an action that triggered official protest from the BCB. With just weeks left before the tournament begins, the ICC now faces immense logistical pressure as the BCB's request to modify venues or groups comes at the eleventh hour.
