ICC Assures Support to BCB Over Bangladesh’s Participation in T20 World Cup in India

Dhaka: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that it has received a formal response from the International Cricket Council (ICC), assuring full support to ensure Bangladesh’s uninterrupted participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7.

The BCB stated that the ICC responded to its concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team in India, including the Board’s request to consider relocating matches outside the country. According to the BCB, the ICC has expressed its readiness to work closely with the Board to address all issues and to take BCB’s inputs into account while finalising security arrangements for the tournament.

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board has received a response from the International Cricket Council regarding the concerns raised 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 matches,” the BCB said in a statement.

The ICC, in its communication, reiterated its commitment to ensuring Bangladesh’s full and smooth participation in the tournament. It also assured the BCB that its concerns would be carefully considered as part of detailed security planning for the event.

The BCB further clarified that media reports claiming the Board had been issued an ultimatum by the ICC are entirely false and misleading. “Such claims are unfounded and do not reflect the nature or content of the communication received from the ICC,” the statement said.

The Board added that it will continue constructive and professional engagement with the ICC and relevant authorities to reach a practical and amicable solution that guarantees the team’s safe and successful participation in the tournament. The BCB reaffirmed that the safety, security and well-being of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team remain its highest priority.

As per the current ICC schedule, Bangladesh, placed in Group C, are set to play their first three matches in Kolkata — against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14 — before facing Nepal in their final group match in Mumbai on February 17.

With inputs from IANS