The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally rejected Bangladesh’s demand to relocate their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, casting serious doubt on the team’s participation in the upcoming tournament. This decision follows weeks of escalating tensions between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and cricket’s global governing body.
The dispute originated on January 3rd when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. The BCB subsequently cited player safety concerns and deteriorating political relations with India as justification for refusing to play their scheduled matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.
In an official statement, the ICC emphasized that comprehensive security assessments, detailed venue-level protection plans, and formal assurances from Indian authorities confirmed there were ‘no credible or verifiable threats’ to the Bangladesh team’s safety. The council revealed it had engaged in ‘sustained and constructive dialogue’ with BCB officials, but these efforts were ultimately ‘rebuffed’ by the Bangladeshi side.
With the tournament commencing February 7th, uncertainty looms over Bangladesh’s campaign. Team captain Litton Das expressed the prevailing mood, stating, ‘From where I stand, I’m uncertain, everyone is uncertain. Are you sure we will play the World Cup? I think at this moment, the whole of Bangladesh is uncertain.’
The political backdrop adds complexity to the situation, as Bangladesh prepares for its first elections since the 2024 uprising that toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a known ally of New Delhi. Relations between the neighboring nations have significantly deteriorated since her departure.
ICC sources indicate Scotland, the highest-ranked non-qualifying team, stands ready as potential replacements should Bangladesh withdraw from the competition. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities confirmed they had not received any formal request to host Bangladesh’s matches, despite BCB’s preference for the co-host nation.