The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had requested that the ICC relocate its 2026 T20 World Cup matches from

The 2026 T20 World Cup is less than a month away. However, the Bangladesh issue remains unresolved. Following the exclusion of Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL , the Bangladesh Cricket Board ( BCB ) requested that their 2026 T20 World Cup matches be relocated from India to Sri Lanka. Bangladesh cited security concerns as the reason. The ICC has now rejected Bangladesh's claim that there is a security threat in India. This clearly demonstrates that the ICC is unwilling to relocate Bangladesh's matches outside India.

The ICC stated in its report that it found nothing that could be considered a security threat. The ICC assessed the security threat as low to moderate, a factor in its investigation. This is normal for any match. However, the ICC has not yet issued an official statement. The 2026 T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7th.

Discussions between the ICC and the BCB took place today, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board adamant.

According to reports, the BCB and ICC held a video conference on Tuesday regarding the T20 World Cup 2026. With very little time left for the tournament to begin, the BCB remains adamant. During this conversation, the BCB requested the ICC to shift its group stage matches from India to Sri Lanka.

On behalf of the BCB, President Mohammad Aminul Islam, Vice-Presidents Mohammad Shakhawat Hossain and Farooq Ahmed, Director and Chairman of the Cricket Operations Committee Nazmul Abedin, and Chief Executive Officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury confirmed their stance. The BCB once again cited "security concerns" as the reason for its request.

In response, the ICC stated that the tournament schedule had already been announced. The ICC also requested the BCB to reconsider its stance. However, according to the BCB's official press release, Bangladesh has not changed its stance and is continuing to discuss its request with the ICC.

Bangladesh now has two options.

The pending resolution of the matter so far makes it clear that the ICC cannot accede to Bangladesh's demands. The reason for this is that there is not much time left before the start of the tournament. Furthermore, hotel bookings, visas for players and support staff, and all other necessary arrangements have already been made. Sudden changes are now virtually impossible. Bangladesh has only two options: either play the tournament as scheduled or withdraw from the tournament.

If Bangladesh does not play and withdraws from the tournament, the ICC can bring in a replacement team. However, this will not be easy in such a short time. In such a situation, the ICC will have to request Bangladesh to change its decision every time. However, if a replacement team does come forward, it could be Scotland.