The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) finds itself at a critical crossroads after the International Cricket Council (ICC) firmly rejected its request to move Bangladesh’s matches for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 out of India. With the global body unwilling to alter the schedule, the Bangladesh government and cricket stakeholders are now racing against time to arrive at a final decision, one that could define the country’s participation in the marquee tournament.

As part of this process, Bangladesh’s sports adviser Asif Nazrul is scheduled to meet the national cricketers at 3 pm today at a city hotel. The meeting aims to brief the players on the government’s stance regarding travel to India, where Bangladesh are slated to play their group matches. The ICC has given the BCB just one day to reconsider its refusal, citing concerns about player security.

According to a Cricbuzz report, the meeting is expected to be more than a one-way briefing. Bangladesh’s senior cricketers are likely to share their views with the adviser while exploring possible solutions to break the current deadlock. With careers, reputations, and a World Cup opportunity on the line, the players’ voices could be decisive.

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Earlier this week, the ICC board held a vote on BCB’s proposal to shift Bangladesh’s group games out of India. The outcome was overwhelmingly against the request, with 14 of the 16 full members voting to retain the existing schedule. Only two boards supported Bangladesh’s appeal, underlining the lack of international backing for a late change.

Cricket fraternity in Bangladesh have given up even the last hopes of their team travelling to India for the World Cup. The Bangladesh Govt Sports Adviser may have called players for a meeting but to be told India is unsafe for them

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) January 22, 2026

I Really Feel Sorry For Liton Das. Today He Have To Tell And Say His Decision. Yes All Players Will Give Opinion, But Obviously As Captain His Opinion Will Have Impact.

Any Thing That Doesnt Go With Stereotype / Pre Determined / Popular Opinion, He Might Face Online Trolls.

I…

— বাংলার ছেলে 🇧🇩 (@iSoumikSaheb) January 22, 2026

Bangladesh are placed in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal, with matches scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai. In a bid to find a workaround, the BCB reportedly suggested swapping groups with Ireland, who are in Group B with Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman, and Zimbabwe. However, Sri Lanka, as a co-host, is said to oppose any reshuffling at this stage.

The ICC has maintained that changing fixtures so close to the tournament is impractical and warned that doing so without a verified security threat could set an “undesirable precedent” for future events. The governing body also revealed that it has shared detailed, venue-specific security plans with the BCB, including layered protection involving both federal and state agencies.

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Despite this, BCB president Aminul Islam remains hopeful. “I am hoping for a miracle from the ICC,” he told ESPNCricinfo, while reiterating that the Bangladesh government does not believe India is safe for its players.

With the clock ticking, the stakes could not be higher. If the BCB stands firm and opts out, Scotland are expected to step in as Bangladesh’s replacement, a scenario that would be a bitter blow for both players and fans ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.