 "Bangladesh cricket team wants to play its T20 World Cup 2026 matches in Sri Lanka. Image: PTI")
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly in touch with the International Cricket Council (ICC) after Bangladesh refused to travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said on Sunday that considering the “safety and well-being” of their players amid a worsening relationship between the two countries, the national team would not travel to India for the T20 World Cup .
BCB’s strict action came after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) team on the BCCI’s instructions. BCCI did not specify the reason behind such an instruction but hinted that the call was taken due to a rise in attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh .
Bangladesh team not wanting to play in India
Bangladesh’s group matches are scheduled to be played in Kolkata and Mumbai, but on Sunday, BCB said they have decided not to send the team to India after the national government’s advice.
“Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and the growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India and considering the advice from the Bangladesh Government, the Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions,” the BCB said in a statement.
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The shocking decision is set to create a massive headache for ICC and BCCI as the T20 World Cup 2026 is only one month away. The tournament starts on 7 February with Bangladesh playing against the West Indies at Eden Gardens.
BCCI is in touch with ICC
Considering the logistical challenges associated with shifting the matches to co-host Sri Lanka so close to the tournament, the BCCI has reportedly got in touch with ICC to decide the next steps, a Times of India report has claimed.
“TOI has learnt that BCCI has also got into a huddle and is discussing the matter with ICC. With the T20 World Cup just about a month away, it will be a logistical nightmare to relocate the matches following Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India,” the report said.
Quick Reads
View AllThe ball now appears to be in ICC chairman Jay Shah’s court after Bangladesh refused to travel to India. There are three possible outcomes: Bangladesh could be forced to play in India, their matches could be relocated to Sri Lanka, or they could be replaced by another team — a scenario that looks highly unlikely.
Earlier last year, ICC under Jay Shah allowed Pakistan to play their matches at a neutral venue during ICC tournaments in India after the Men In Blue refused to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. BCB would be hoping to secure a similar deal, but nothing can be said with certainty for now.