Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) faces a pivotal choice as its participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 hangs in the balance after the ICC refused to move Bangladesh’s matches out of India. BCB had sought a venue change, citing a deteriorating political climate and player safety concerns, but the International Cricket Council said repeated security assessments found no credible or verifiable threat and warned that altering the schedule weeks before the tournament would “jeopardise the sanctity of ICC events”.

The ICC has given Bangladesh a 24-hour deadline to confirm whether the team will travel to India; if the BCB stands firm and declines, Scotland is poised to replace Bangladesh in Group C. Such a switch would potentially reshuffle hopes and logistics for fans and stakeholders.

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On Thursday, sports adviser Asif Nazrul briefed players, saying refusal was a government decision. “We all wanted to play in the World Cup. We have noticed that the security threat in India has not gone. The ICC has not taking a stance on the actual matter. The ICC has reiterated their standard security procedure. We are still hopeful that ICC will find a way,” he said, reflecting ongoing unease despite ICC reassurances.

Bangladesh decide not to play T20 World Cup in India after ICC rejects request to shift matches#Bangladesh #T20WorldCup #ICC #Indiahttps://t.co/ndIhppCfYW pic.twitter.com/3GjocyF1Dp

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) January 22, 2026

Players were summoned individually to the meeting, spinner Mahedi Hasan revealed, underlining the seriousness with which officials are treating the matter. “Every player in the World Cup team was personally texted about the meeting. When we get there, the mystery will be revealed,” Hasan told local reporters, signalling that the squad’s collective view will influence the final call.

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With the clock ticking and the tournament start date approaching, the BCB must weigh diplomatic concerns, player safety perceptions and the competitive consequences of withdrawing. Whatever route they choose will have immediate implications for Group C and the build-up to a tournament that promises high stakes.

Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule