The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has publicly declared its decision not to participate in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup being held in India. The BCB president, Aminul Islam, pointed out that the decision was taken on account of security issues.
BCB Cites Security Reasons
- Aminul Islam stated that the board had heated debates about the situation internally before calling it a day. He revealed that the BCB had already arranged two meetings and consulted all the board members. He added that the board is certain that under the existing circumstances, it is too risky for the team to go to India.
- He further added that the security of the players remains the foremost concern of the board. Ultimately, it was this very factor that caused the BCB to withdraw from the matches slated for India.
Communication With ICC, Not BCCI
- Official communication has made the BCB’s position clear to the International Cricket Council (ICC). Aminul Islam mentioned that the board hopes for a meeting with the ICC soon. He also mentioned that the course of action will depend on the ICC’s response.
- He further remarked that the BCB was not in communication with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCB is dealing only with the ICC on this matter since the T20 World Cup is an ICC event.
Impact on Tournament Schedule
- According to the original plan, the Bangladesh team was supposed to play its first-round matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. The team’s opening match against the West Indies was scheduled for February 7 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Other teams in the group include England, Italy, and Nepal.
- Cricket experts are skeptical and say that it is very hard to believe, even at this stage, that the change of the venues will not be a tricky affair. What's more, with only a month left before the tournament begins, rescheduling could make the situation even more complicated at the logistics level.
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