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ICC Gives Bangladesh Jan 21 Deadline for T20 World Cup India Decision

The International Cricket Council has given the Bangladesh Cricket Board until January 21 to confirm its team's participation in the T20 World Cup in India. The BCB has been firm in its stance to play the tournament outside India, citing safety and security concerns for its players. The ICC has refused to alter the original schedule or agree to a group swap with Ireland, while assuring the BCB of India's security. If Bangladesh withdraws, Scotland is likely to be named as their replacement based on current rankings.

Key Points: ICC Ultimatum to BCB on T20 World Cup India Participation

  • ICC deadline set for January 21
  • BCB wants matches outside India
  • Security cited as primary concern
  • Scotland likely replacement if BCB withdraws
2 min read

ICC gives ultimatum to BCB; must decide on visiting India for T20 WC by January 21: Sources

ICC sets Jan 21 deadline for Bangladesh to decide on playing T20 World Cup in India. BCB cites security concerns, ICC refuses schedule changes.

"the ICC did not agree to Bangladesh and Ireland swapping groups - ICC sources"

New Delhi, January 19

The International Cricket Council has given an ultimatum to the Bangladesh Cricket Board to give their final decision on whether they will send the Bangladesh cricket team to India or not for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 participation by Wednesday, as per ICC sources.

If the BCB refuses to send its team to India, the ICC is likely to name a replacement, and, as per the current rankings, it could be Scotland. The T20 World Cup will kick off on February 7.

On Saturday, ICC held a meeting with BCB officials in Dhaka. During Saturday's discussions, which marked the second meeting between the two parties in the same week, the BCB once again was firm in their stance of featuring in the T20 World Cup, but outside India.

Ever since the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL 2026 squad on instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid ongoing minority atrocities in Bangladesh, the BCB has been pushing for matches to be relocated outside India, citing concerns about "safety and security" of players.

ICC stood firm on not changing the original schedule, in which Bangladesh is in Group C with Italy, New Zealand, the West Indies and Nepal.

As per the current schedule, Bangladesh will play three group-stage matches at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens, followed by their final group-stage game in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

During talks on Saturday, it was also understood that the ICC did not agree to Bangladesh and Ireland swapping groups, sending Bangladesh to Group B and making them play their opening games in Sri Lanka. ICC is also understood to have assured BCB that India poses no security threats to the Bangladesh team.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Kolkata, I'm heartbroken. Eden Gardens is ready to host a fantastic atmosphere for the Bangladesh matches. Their team has so many supporters here. I really hope sense prevails and they come. Sports should be above these tensions.
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Arjun K
Honestly, the ICC should not bend any rules. The schedule is set. If BCB doesn't want to come, it's their loss. Scottish fans would be thrilled to get a chance, and they'll fill the stadiums with great energy. Can't keep the world waiting for one board's decision.
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Priyanka N
While I fully support India's right to host, I do think the BCCI releasing Mustafizur from KKR right now was a needlessly provocative move. It escalated things. Both boards need to be more responsible. The players are the ones who suffer in the end.
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Vikram M
BCB's "safety" concerns are baseless. Our police and security for international events is top class. Every visiting team, including Pakistan, has felt safe here. This is just politics overshadowing sport. Hope the players themselves speak up and want to play in these iconic stadiums!
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Kriti O
Such a shame. A India-Bangladesh match in Eden Gardens is always a spectacle. The food, the culture, the friendly rivalry... it's what makes cricket beautiful. I really hope they reconsider. The world cup won't be the same without the Tigers. 🏏

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