The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is reportedly hesitant to play its matches in India during the T20 World Cup 2026, citing security concerns. The BCCI, however, has stated that it has not been informed of any discussions between the BCB and the ICC regarding shifting Bangladesh’s matches, while the ICC maintains that there is no major security threat.
New Delhi: Controversy continues to surround the T20 World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board seeks to avoid playing matches in India due to security concerns. On Thursday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) clarified that it has no information about any talks between the BCB and ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches abroad.
BCCI Responds
Speaking to ANI, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said the board has been kept out of the loop. “At present, we are not aware of any communication between BCB and ICC on this matter. We will provide updates once we receive relevant information,” Saikia stated.
The Root of the Dispute
The issue escalated after Kolkata Knight Riders reportedly released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad, allegedly following BCCI instructions. Coupled with reports of alleged atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh, the BCB has been pushing to move its World Cup matches from India, especially Kolkata, to other venues or Sri Lanka.
Earlier this week, a video conference between BCB and ICC saw Bangladesh reiterate its demand to shift matches. BCB’s youth and sports advisor, Asif Nazrul, claimed that the environment in India is not conducive for the team. The ICC, however, asked Bangladesh to reconsider its stance, emphasizing that the tournament schedule had already been finalized. Despite this, BCB remains firm on its demand.
ICC Security Assessment
ICC sources have clarified that independent security experts found no reasons to bar Bangladesh from playing in India. The risk for matches in Kolkata and Mumbai has been assessed as ‘low to moderate’, and ICC believes standard security measures can adequately safeguard the team.
According to the current schedule, Bangladesh is set to begin its campaign on 7 February at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, against West Indies, followed by matches against Italy, England, and Nepal on 17 February. The coming days will reveal whether ICC will yield to Bangladesh’s pressure or insist that the team play as scheduled in India.
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