Bangladesh reject travelling to India for T20 World Cup

Still on the ongoing saga, Bangladesh Cricket Board officials announced on Thursday that the national team will not travel to India for the T20 World Cup starting next month.

This firm position emerged after the ICC rejected a request to shift Bangladesh’s group-stage matches, mainly to Sri Lanka, due to ongoing security worries for players.

A key meeting in Dhaka brought together BCB leaders, national team members, and interim government sports advisor Asif Nazrul, who shared the decision at a press conference.

The central worry stems from the sudden exit of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. His exit was linked to security threats from extremists that prompted BCCI action.

BCB representatives pointed out that it was clear that safeguarding a single player proved challenging, raising real doubts about protecting a full squad of players, coaches, and support staff across multiple venues.

“The ICC tournament is being held in India, where the BCCI can’t give security to one of our players,” Nazrul  explained. “It will be the responsibility of their security agencies. How can we be convinced that they can provide security to our cricketers, fans and journalists?”

Nazrul made clear that conditions in India show no improvement, describing the ICC claims of no specific dangers as “inadequate” from the tournament host. He also noted that the decision not to play in India came from the government.

ICC leaders delivered a 24-hour deadline on Wednesday, demanding the BCB commit to India or risk replacement by another side like Scotland.

Earlier messages from ICC affirmed Bangladesh’s involvement and promised security cooperation.

If all goes to plan, Bangladesh will begin their group stage campaign with their first match against the West Indies on February 7, then Italy on February 9, England on February 14, and Nepal at Wankhede Stadium on February 17.

BCB President Aminul Islam labeled the process unjust and intends to pursue additional channels for resolution.

At this point, Bangladesh is standing alone and could miss the World Cup, unless the ICC bows to their pressure.

There’s also the fact that the ICC granting Bangladesh’s request to play outside India could set a precedent that could be abused by other countries in the future.

It’s not clear how this will end, but the T20 World Cup is set to hold as planned, with the first match scheduled to take place on February 7.