'Play in India or forfeit points': ICC tells BCB after Bangladesh's request to move their T20 World Cup games

Confusion continues around Bangladesh’s participation in the men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after conflicting claims emerged from a key meeting between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the ICC has made it clear to the BCB that Bangladesh must travel to India to play their World Cup matches or risk forfeiting points. The message was reportedly conveyed during a virtual call held on Tuesday. Sources have confirmed the same to Firstpost.

However, the BCB has denied receiving any such ultimatum from the global governing body, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the issue. So far, there has been no official statement from either the ICC, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), or the BCB about what exactly was discussed in the call.

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The meeting was arranged after the BCB wrote to the ICC on Sunday, requesting that Bangladesh’s matches be moved out of India due to security concerns for their players, who have been threatened by some right-wing radical groups amid attacks on Hindus in the neighbouring country.

The T20 World Cup, featuring 20 teams, is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Bangladesh are placed in Group C and are set to play their first three matches in Kolkata against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14. Their final group match, against Nepal, is scheduled for February 17 in Mumbai.

Why this controversy?

The controversy began after the BCCI instructed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who had been bought at the IPL 2026 auction for Rs 9.2 crore. The decision was confirmed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, but no official reason was provided.

Mustafizur was the only Bangladesh player picked up at the IPL 2026 auction. It is believed that the BCCI’s move came after pressure from certain groups following reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

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Following this, BCB and the Bangladesh government reacted strongly. BCB denied Mustafizur Rahman a No Objection Certificate, effectively ruling him out of the IPL even if KKR were to reconsider their decision. Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus banned the broadcast of the IPL in the country.