The standoff between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 shows no sign of easing, with the Bangladeshi board standing firm
on its refusal to tour India for the tournament, which is scheduled from 7 February to 8 March.
A video conference held on Tuesday between ICC representatives in Dubai and top BCB officials failed to produce any breakthrough, prolonging uncertainty ahead of the February-March event co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Shortly after the meeting, the BCB issued a statement confirming that its delegation, led by president Aminul Islam Bulbul and joined by vice presidents Md Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, maintained its long-standing security concerns regarding travel to India.
The board also reiterated its demand that Bangladesh's Group C fixtures be shifted outside the host nation. "During the discussions, the BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns. The Board also reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh's matches outside India," the statement read.
However, the release suggested that the ICC, under the chairmanship of Jay Shah, has little inclination to alter the existing schedule. Based on assessments by independent security experts, the governing body has reportedly concluded that there is no credible threat to the Litton Das-led squad.
"While the ICC highlighted that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested the BCB to reconsider its stance, the Board's position remains unchanged. Both parties agreed that discussions will continue to explore possible solutions," the statement added.
Despite rejecting BCB's key demand, the ICC has proposed alternate Indian venues for Bangladesh's fixtures-Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram-should the board agree to participate. Under the current schedule, Bangladesh are slated to play three matches at Kolkata's Eden Gardens and one at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
