ICC gives ultimatum to Bangladesh, play T20 World Cup 2026 in India or get replaced by Scotland, final call to be taken on this date

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has refused to budge and has informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that their T20 World Cup 2026 matches will not be shifted out of India. After the ouster of Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL), BCB had raised security concerns about playing in India. BCB wanted to play their matches in Sri Lanka, the co-hosts of the T20 World Cup 2026. But, their request has been declined.

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Sports Tak has learnt that ICC is ready to replace Bangladesh with another team as per the rankings if they don’t follow the original schedule. A final call on the issue will be taken by January 21. If BCB remains firm on their stance, Scotland are likely to enter Group C as their replacement. The Group C features West Indies, England, Italy and Nepal.

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What will be Bangladesh's response?

The Bangladesh-interim government is adamant on not touring India. After Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) dropped Mustafizur from their IPL 2026 squad after Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) directive, it led to a chain reaction. The government asked the Information & Broadcasting ministry to suspend IPL's telecast in the country. BCB wrote a letter to the ICC seeking a change in their schedule, a hybrid model similar to that of Pakistan.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal was called an 'India agent' by BCB official and finance committee chairman Nazmul Islam for advising BCB to find a solution via discussion and not take a decision in haste. Later, Nazmul made more controversial comments. He said that if Bangladesh pull out of T20 World Cup 2026, the players don't deserve a compensation. It led to Bangladesh players boycotting all forms of cricket until and unless Nazmul tenders his resignation. After Bangladesh players refused to come to the ground for Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match, BCB removed Nazmul from his position. BCB also initiated a review into Nazmul's comments.