T20 World Cup 2026: ICC delegation to visit Bangladesh to meet BCB over team's participation

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to send a delegation to Bangladesh for crucial in-person talks with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding the national team’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The global tournament, scheduled to begin on February 7 and co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, has been grabbing headlines due to uncertainty over Bangladesh’s willingness to travel to India for its fixtures, citing safety and security concerns.

The proposed ICC visit comes

following Bangladesh’s sports ministry and cricket board maintaining that the team will not play any World Cup matches in India. Sports adviser Asif Nazrul confirmed the development while addressing the media at the Foreign Service Academy, stating that Bangladesh remains keen to participate in the tournament but will not compromise on player safety.

According to Nazrul, BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul has informed the government that an ICC team is likely to arrive soon to explore possible solutions. Bangladesh has consistently requested that its T20 World Cup matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, stating that the decision is essential to ensure the security of players and officials.

ICC's visit to be final face-to-face meeting before decision is announced on Bangladesh’s participation

Despite multiple rounds of communication, including a recent video conference between ICC and BCB officials, no mutual decision has been achieved. The ICC has urged the BCB to reconsider its demand, pointing out that the tournament itinerary has already been finalised. However, the Bangladesh board has refused to let go of its stance, revealing that it will not send the team to India under the current circumstances.

In an official statement, the BCB said its position remains unchanged despite the ICC’s reluctance to change the schedule. Both parties agreed to continue discussions in search of possible solutions, with the BCB emphasising that safeguarding the well-being of players, officials, and staff remains its top priority.

Meanwhile, ICC's visit will likely be the final face-to-face meeting before a decision is announced on Bangladesh’s participation. The uncertainty increased after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad.

Bangladesh is currently scheduled to open its T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 against two-time champions West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. They are also set to face Italy on February 9, England later in Kolkata, and Nepal on February 17 in the group stage, with all matches slated to be played in India.