BCB Stands Firm: Rejects ICC Request to Play World Cup in India
Bangladesh's cricket board defiantly rejected the ICC's plea to play the 2026 T20 World Cup in India, citing security concerns and demanding a neutral venue.
The standoff over Bangladesh’s participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup continues. On Tuesday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) turned down a direct request from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reconsider their boycott of the tournament in India.
During a video conference this afternoon, a BCB delegation led by President Aminul Islam told the ICC they would not travel to India due to unresolved security concerns. They once again asked for their matches to be moved to a neutral venue.
The ICC urged the board to soften its stance, arguing that the tournament schedule is already set and difficult to change. However, the BCB refused to budge.
“The Board’s position remains unchanged,” the BCB stated in a press release, emphasizing that the safety of players and staff comes first.
The meeting comes just a day after Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul criticized the ICC for labeling bowler Mustafizur Rahman a "security risk." Nazrul called the assessment "absurd," linking it to the anti-Bangladesh sentiment that allegedly forced Mustafizur out of the IPL.
While both sides agreed to keep talking to find a solution, the BCB made it clear they will not compromise on security, leaving Bangladesh’s World Cup campaign in doubt.