Controversy surround Bangladesh’s participation in T20 World Cup

Uncertainty continues over whether Bangladesh will travel to India for the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup after differing versions emerged from a recent meeting between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

The ICC has denied Bangladesh’s request to shift their T20 World Cup matches.

Clear answer that either play in India or forfeit the points#bcc #icc #BangladeshCricket pic.twitter.com/c1wrCIsP7D

— Rachit Rana (@RachitRanaaa) January 7, 2026

ESPNcricinfo reported that during a virtual meeting on Tuesday, the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to play its matches outside India, citing security concerns. The report added that the ICC warned Bangladesh it would have to travel to India or face the possibility of forfeiting points.

The BCB has disputed this claim, stating that it was never informed of any ultimatum or told that refusing to tour India would result in sporting penalties.

https://archive.mmnews.tv/bangladesh-no-matter-what-team-will-not-go-to-india/

So far, neither the ICC nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released an official statement to clarify what was discussed or decided during the call. The meeting was arranged after the BCB wrote to the ICC on Sunday, formally requesting that Bangladesh’s matches be shifted out of India.

The situation has emerged just weeks before the 20-team tournament, which begins on February 7 and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with the final scheduled for March 8.

Placed in Group C, Bangladesh are due to play their opening three matches in Kolkata, against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14, before taking on Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

The BCB’s communication with the ICC followed a controversial decision by the BCCI to ask IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. Mustafizur was purchased at the December auction for Rs9.2 crore.

The decision was announced publicly by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, though no explanation was provided. It also remains unclear how the move was approved, as the IPL Governing Council reportedly did not meet to discuss the matter.

As a result, questions continue to linger over who was involved in the decision-making process beyond Saikia and how the issue was handled internally.