The Bangladesh Cricket Board has refused to back down, underlining its security concerns, despite the ICC’s “request” on Tuesday to reevaluate its demand to move the nation’s T20 World Cup matches outside of India.
The BCB said in a statement that both sides would continue to “explore possible solutions” and that the board’s stance is unaltered despite the ICC’s unwillingness to consider its proposal.
Due to security concerns, BCB has repeatedly written to the ICC requesting that its World Cup games be moved from India. However, given that the schedule for the T20 showpiece starting on February 7 has been finalized, the international organization is unlikely to give in.
“While the ICC highlighted that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested the BCB to reconsider its stance, the Board’s position remains unchanged. Both parties agreed that discussions will continue to explore possible solutions. The BCB remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of its players, officials and staff while engaging constructively with the ICC to address the matter,” a PTI report quoted the BCB as saying after its officials attended the video conference with ICC.
The ICC’s risk assessment study did not identify any particular or direct threat to the squad if it competes in the competition, despite the BCB’s belief that it is risky for its players to travel to India.
Among other high-ranking officials, the BCB’s president, Aminul Islam, and CEO, Nizam Uddin Chowdhury, participated in the video conference with the ICC on Tuesday.
“During the discussions, the BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns. The Board also reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh’s matches outside India,” the BCB added.
During the league stage, Bangladesh are scheduled to play three games in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
After the BCCI asked the Kolkata Knight Riders to remove bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 lineup due to violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, BCB asked for a change in venues.
An enraged Bangladeshi government banned IPL broadcasts in the nation after Mustafizur was removed.
Both current Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and former captain Tamim Iqbal have warned against taking a very strict stance, with the former stating that choices made now will have consequences ten years from now.
The players’ psychological concern at the possibility of missing a World Cup has been expressed by Shanto.
Asif Nazrul, an advisor to the sports ministry, has adopted a firm stance, saying time and again that Bangladesh will not compromise on its demand to move its games to co-host Sri Lanka.
