BCCI finally responds as Bangladesh escalate demand to move T20 World Cup matches: 'We are totally...'

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally broken its silence on Bangladesh’s demand to shift their T20 World Cup 2026 matches outside India. The whole saga started after BCCI barred Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. While the BCCI did not explicitly give any reasons for the stunning decision, secretary Devajit Saikia hinted that Mustafizur Rahaman was being removed from IPL due to a rise in attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh.

An enraged Bangladesh in reply demanded that their T20 World Cup 2026 matches should be moved out of India, as their players would not be safe in the host country. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has refused to do so, claiming that assessments conducted by “internationally recognised security experts” show that Bangladesh can safely play their matches in India.

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“It is important to clarify that the ICC’s independent risk assessments, carried out by internationally recognised security experts, do not conclude that Bangladesh cannot play its scheduled matches in India,” an ICC report said.

BCCI breaks silence on Bangladesh’s demand

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), however, remains steadfast in its demand, hoping ICC would relent before the tournament.

“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," BCB said in a statement earlier this week.

Now, the hosts of the T20 World Cup 2026, the BCCI has spoken for the first time on Bangladesh’s demand. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that BCCI is not a part of the negotiations between BCB and ICC.

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“As of now, BCCI is not in the loop regarding any communication between the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the ICC, so we are totally unaware. Once we receive information, we will keep you updated,” Saikia told ANI.

Bangladesh start their T20 World Cup campaign on 7 February in Kolkata against West Indies. They would play two more group games in Kolkata and their final group match is scheduled in Mumbai.