Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul confirmed on January 10 that the board has received no communication from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding its formal concerns over playing T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India. Despite the looming schedule for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Bulbul emphasised that the BCB’s stance remains firm and unchanged as they wait for the global governing body to address their grievances.
No word from ICC on 2026 T20 World Cup venue change request: BCB Chief Bulbul
The core of the dispute lies in Bangladesh's reluctance to travel to India for the tournament, which is set to kick off on February 7. Citing significant security concerns, the BCB has officially requested that its matches be relocated to Sri Lanka. This move highlights a deepening diplomatic and logistical rift between the neighboring cricket boards just weeks before the event is scheduled to begin.
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Tensions between the two nations' cricketing bodies escalated following a controversial decision regarding pacer Mustafizur Rahman. The BCCI reportedly instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders to release the bowler from his IPL contract for reasons that were never publicly specified. The BCB has pointed to this incident as a primary factor in their growing apprehension, viewing the move as a catalyst for their current security and administrative concerns.
“We haven’t yet received any reply from the ICC. We have sent all the attachments and proofs of our concern,” Bulbul told media persons in Syhlet.
Bulbul emphasised that the board has already submitted a comprehensive and clear explanation of its position to the ICC. He reiterated that their stance is not based on a specific location within India, but rather on broader concerns that cannot be resolved through minor logistical adjustments.
You all know that no unilateral decision can be taken: Aminul Islam Bulbul
Consequently, the chief stressed that simply moving Bangladesh's scheduled matches to a different Indian city is not a viable solution. The BCB remains firm in its belief that such a change would fail to address the underlying issues they have raised, signaling that only a relocation outside of the country will satisfy their requirements.
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“Any alternate Indian venue at the end of the day is an Indian venue. You all know that no unilateral decision can be taken and we have to abide by the government’s diktat. We are standing where we had been a few days back.”
Bulbul clarified that the board is currently in a holding pattern, waiting for a formal verdict from the International Cricket Council. He indicated that the governing body's feedback is the essential next step before any further internal discussions or alternative plans can be finalised. Until the ICC provides a definitive response to their concerns, the BCB intends to refrain from making any unilateral decisions regarding their participation.
“I can’t comment on what we will do if we aren’t allowed to play in Sri Lanka, unless the ICC sends its response,” he added.