The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that it will work closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to address security concerns surrounding the participation of the national team in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

This development comes just days after the BCB initially announced that its men’s cricket team would not travel to India due to safety concerns, sparking widespread media attention and debate across South Asia. In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the board emphasized its commitment to cooperate with tournament organizers to ensure smooth participation in the global event.

ICC and BCB Cooperation to Address Security Concerns

“The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns, and has assured that the board’s inputs will be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event,” the BCB said. The statement also noted that the board would continue constructive engagement with ICC and event authorities in a professional manner to reach a practical and amicable solution.

The ICC and BCB reportedly held a virtual meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to discuss Bangladesh’s request for a venue change for its matches. All of Bangladesh’s group-stage fixtures had been allocated to Indian venues, prompting the board to raise security concerns and request a relocation to Sri Lanka.

Background: Mustafizur Rahman IPL Controversy

Bangladesh’s initial refusal to travel to India is linked to a recent controversy involving star fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was unexpectedly dropped by his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders. The decision, reportedly made under the directive of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), sparked outrage among cricket fans and administrators in Bangladesh.

Following this incident, the BCB sought to protect its players and national team by requesting that its World Cup games be moved from India, citing concerns over player safety and diplomatic sensitivities.

BCB Refutes ICC Ultimatum Reports

Some media outlets claimed that the ICC had issued an ultimatum to Bangladesh, warning that the team would risk forfeiting points if it refused to play in India. The BCB categorically refuted these reports, calling them “completely false, unfounded and misleading.” The board reaffirmed that no ultimatum or coercion had been communicated by the ICC during discussions.

Rising Tensions Between Bangladesh and India

The controversy comes amid growing diplomatic and political tensions between Bangladesh and India. Recent incidents, including communal violence in Bangladesh and protests by Hindutva activists in New Delhi, have further strained relations.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s interim government banned IPL broadcasts, describing the decision to drop Mustafizur Rahman as “illogical” and harmful to public sentiment. These events have extended into the realm of cricket, highlighting how sports and politics often intersect in South Asia.

Looking Ahead: T20 World Cup Participation

Despite the tensions, both the BCB and ICC have signaled a willingness to collaborate to ensure Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup. With the tournament scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026, discussions are ongoing to finalize security arrangements, venues, and protocols for the team’s travel.

The situation underscores the importance of player safety, diplomacy, and international sports governance in high-profile events. For cricket fans and analysts, it also demonstrates how external factors—political disputes, player controversies, and regional tensions—can influence participation and scheduling in global tournaments.