NewKerala.com

ICC's Final Bangladesh Meeting to Decide T20 World Cup 2026 Participation

The International Cricket Council will travel to Bangladesh for a final one-on-one meeting with the Bangladesh Cricket Board to decide the team's participation in the T20 World Cup 2026. The BCB has reaffirmed its decision not to travel to India for its matches, citing safety and security concerns for its players. Despite the ICC noting the tournament itinerary is already set, the BCB has requested its matches be relocated outside India. Both parties have agreed to continue discussions to explore possible solutions ahead of the tournament's start on February 7.

Key Points: ICC to Decide Bangladesh's T20 WC 2026 Participation After Meeting

  • Final ICC-BCB meeting on T20 WC participation
  • BCB cites security for not traveling to India
  • Request to relocate matches outside India
  • Tournament itinerary already announced by ICC
2 min read

ICC to visit Bangladesh for final one-on-one meeting with BCB regarding team's participation in T20 WC 2026

ICC to hold final meeting with BCB on Bangladesh's T20 World Cup 2026 participation amid security concerns over matches in India. Decision pending.

"The BCB reaffirmed its decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns. - Sources"

New Delhi, January 16

The International Cricket Council will travel to Bangladesh in a few days for a final one-on-one meeting with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and will then announce the decision on the team's participation in the T20 World Cup 2026, sources told.

This development follows the video conference meeting between the BCB and the ICC, which was held on Tuesday to discuss the Bangladesh National Cricket Team's participation in the marquee T20I event.

Notably, Bangladesh's visit to India for their T20 WC fixtures is uncertain as of now, with the BCB putting forth a request to the ICC to relocate its matches outside India due to keeping "safety, security concerns" of players in mind. This request came after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release pacer Mustafizur from their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 squad, and the move was carried out, amid atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.

In the video conference meeting, representing the BCB were President Aminul Islam, Vice Presidents Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Director and Chairman of the Cricket Operations Committee, Nazmul Abedeen, and Chief Executive Officer, Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.

During the discussions, the BCB reaffirmed its decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns. The Board also reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh's matches outside India.

While the ICC noted that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested that the BCB reconsider its stance, the Board's position remained unchanged.

Both parties agreed that discussions will continue to explore possible solutions. The BCB haid said it remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of its players, officials and staff while engaging constructively with the ICC to address the matter.The T20 World Cup will start on February 7. Bangladesh are scheduled to open their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 against two-time champions West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. After the West Indies, Bangladesh will face Italy on February 9 at the same venue, then face the 2022 T20 World Cup champions, England, in Kolkata and will conclude their group-stage campaign with clash against Nepal on February 17.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As a cricket fan, this is so disappointing. The World Cup is about the spirit of the game. If security is a genuine concern, ICC should provide the highest level of assurance. But pulling out hurts the tournament and the fans the most.
A
Aman W
The reason cited seems weak. Mustafizur was released by KKR as per rules, linking it to "atrocities" feels like a political excuse. BCB should let the players decide. Our Indian crowds in Kolkata would welcome them warmly.
P
Priyanka N
Respectfully, I think the BCB's concerns, while perhaps genuine from their perspective, are misplaced. India has an impeccable record hosting teams. This sets a bad precedent for future tournaments. Hope sense prevails before the final meeting.
D
David E
Watching from the UK. The group stage looks exciting! It would be a shame if Bangladesh isn't there. Their match against England would have been a cracker. ICC needs to broker a solution fast.
V
Varun X
If they don't come, it's their loss. The show will go on. Nepal and others will get a chance. But honestly, as a Bengali from Kolkata, I was really looking forward to seeing Shakib and the team play at Eden Gardens. Very unfortunate.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50