Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be decided within days, with January 21 emerging as the deadline for a final call on whether the team will travel to India for the tournament.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that a decision must be taken imminently, as the World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7, leaving limited time for contingency planning.
Bangladesh want to play — but not in India
During recent meetings between ICC officials and the BCB in Dhaka, Bangladesh reiterated that they remain committed to participating in the T20 World Cup. However, their position remains unchanged: they are unwilling to play their matches in India.
Sri Lanka, the tournament’s co-host, has been identified by the BCB as their preferred alternative venue. Bangladesh have cited security concerns surrounding travel and matches in India, though the ICC has consistently maintained that there is no specific threat to the Bangladesh team.
ICC firm on schedule, group swap rejected
The ICC has so far refused to amend the original schedule, under which Bangladesh are placed in Group C. The Tigers are due to play their opening three group matches in Kolkata, followed by their final group fixture in Mumbai.
Bangladesh’s proposal to swap groups with Ireland — which would have allowed them to play all group-stage matches in Sri Lanka — has also been rejected. The ICC has conveyed that changing groups at this stage would create significant logistical and commercial complications.
An independent security assessment shared with participating teams reportedly classified India’s overall threat level as medium to high, but found no direct or specific risk to any visiting side.
Replacement scenario on the table
With the standoff nearing its third week, the ICC is now waiting for the BCB’s final response. If Bangladesh ultimately refuse to travel to India, the ICC is expected to activate its contingency plan.
Based on current rankings, Scotland are understood to be the leading candidate to replace Bangladesh in the tournament should a withdrawal occur.
Dispute triggered by IPL fallout
The row traces back to early January, following the removal of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 squad. While no official explanation was provided for the decision, it triggered strong reactions in Bangladesh.
In response, IPL broadcasts were subsequently restricted in the country, and the BCB formally informed the ICC of its decision not to play World Cup matches in India — a stance it has maintained since.
Decision looming as countdown continues
With less than three weeks remaining before the tournament opener, the ICC is under growing pressure to bring clarity to the situation. Bangladesh’s opening match is scheduled for February 7, and any late changes could have a significant impact on scheduling and tournament operations.
For now, all eyes are on January 21 — a date that could determine whether Bangladesh remain part of the T20 World Cup 2026 or whether the tournament sees an unexpected late change.
