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ICC Addresses Bangladesh's Security Concerns for 2026 T20 World Cup in India

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has received a response from the International Cricket Council regarding its security concerns for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. The ICC has expressed willingness to work closely with the BCB and welcome its inputs during security planning. The BCB has categorically denied media reports suggesting it received an ultimatum from the ICC, calling them false and unfounded. The board remains committed to constructive engagement to ensure the team's smooth participation in the tournament.

Key Points: ICC Responds to Bangladesh's T20 World Cup Security Concerns

  • ICC willing to address BCB security concerns
  • BCB denies media reports of ICC ultimatum
  • Commitment to team safety is priority
  • Follows Mustafizur Rahman's IPL expulsion
2 min read

"ICC willing to work with Bangladesh board," says BCB on its demand of not playing in India during T20 World Cup

ICC commits to working with BCB on security for 2026 T20 World Cup in India, denying reports of an ultimatum over match relocation requests.

"ICC reiterated its commitment to ensuring the Bangladesh team's complete and uninterrupted participation - BCB Statement"

Dhaka, January 7

The Bangladesh Cricket Board says it has received a response from the International Cricket Council regarding the Board's expressed concerns over the safety and security of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team in India for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, including the request for relocation of the team's matches.

The BCB said that in its communication, the ICC reiterated its commitment to ensuring the Bangladesh team's complete and uninterrupted participation in the tournament. The ICC has expressed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the Board's inputs will be welcomed and duly considered as part of the event's detailed security planning.

The BCB has also noted reports in the media suggesting that the Board has been issued an ultimatum in this regard. The BCB categorically stated that such claims are completely false, unfounded and do not reflect the nature or content of the communication received from the ICC.

The BCB said it will continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant event authorities cooperatively and professionally to reach a mutually acceptable and practical solution that ensures the team's smooth and successful participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board said it remains firmly committed to prioritising the safety, security, and well-being of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team.

The BCB had previously informed the ICC of its decision not to play in India due to security concerns, hoping the ICC would respond positively to its request.

This came after the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders expelled Bangladesh player Mustafizur Rahman, the only cricketer from the country in India's cash-rich league. KKR's move came in response to a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding atrocities committed against minorities in Bangladesh.

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 again.

After facing England, Bangladesh are scheduled to travel to Mumbai to play Nepal at Wankhede Stadium. The World Cup event will start on February 7 with a match between Pakistan and the Netherlands at Colombo.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan, I'm disappointed. The Mustafizur incident with KKR seems to have triggered this. But a World Cup is bigger than bilateral tensions. The ICC's assurance sounds professional. Hope they find a solution so we can enjoy a full tournament. 🤞
A
Arjun K
Security concerns are valid for any board, but India has an impeccable record hosting mega events. The statement says media reports about an "ultimatum" are false. Looks like typical media hype blowing things out of proportion. BCB and ICC will sort it out.
P
Priya S
Feeling a bit sad. Cricket should bring us together. Eden Gardens is a historic venue for Bangladesh cricket too (remember 2007?). Hope the players get to experience that atmosphere. The authorities must ensure a safe environment for all teams.
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Vikram M
Honestly, the BCB's initial demand seemed like a knee-jerk reaction. The ICC's response is diplomatic and correct. Work together, plan the security. Pulling out of matches in India sets a bad precedent. What's next? Pakistan refusing to play in India? Oh wait...
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Karthik V
While I support our board's right to raise concerns, I think we must also acknowledge that Indian security for high-profile events is world-class. The statement says they'll engage constructively. That's the way forward. Jai Hind!

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