Will Bangladesh Reconsider Its Decision Not to Travel to India for T20 WC?
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Dhaka, Jan 13 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reaffirmed its stance of not sending its team to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, citing serious security concerns after a video conference with the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday.
The primary agenda of the meeting was to address Bangladesh's involvement in the upcoming global tournament, with the BCB once again pressing for the relocation of its matches outside of India. Despite the ICC's insistence that the tournament schedule has been finalized and urging the BCB to reconsider its decision, the Bangladesh cricket governing body upheld its position. Both parties agreed to keep the dialogue open in hopes of arriving at a suitable solution.
“A video conference involving the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) took place this afternoon to deliberate on the Bangladesh National Cricket Team's participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026,” the BCB stated.
The BCB's delegation in the meeting included President Md Aminul Islam, Vice Presidents Md 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 reiterated its decision not to travel to India, emphasizing the importance of security. The Board also made a renewed request for the ICC to consider moving Bangladesh's matches to a different location.
However, the ICC pointed out the logistical complications involved in such a move. “While the ICC reiterated that the tournament schedule is already established and requested the BCB to reconsider its position, the Board's stance remains unchanged. Both organizations agreed to continue discussions to explore potential solutions,” they stated.
The BCB remains committed to ensuring the safety of its players and staff. “The BCB is dedicated to protecting the well-being of its players, officials, and staff while engaging constructively with the ICC to address the situation,” they added.
Further negotiations between the two entities are anticipated, as the ICC aims to resolve the deadlock ahead of the 2026 event. With the World Cup approaching, any adjustments to the schedule seem quite unlikely.
Nonetheless, the ICC is expected to make a definitive decision on the matter soon.