A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be taken on January 21. The ICC has given this deadline to the Bangladesh Cricket Board during meetings held in Dhaka. Bangladesh have clearly said they want to play in the tournament but do not want to travel to India, citing safety and security concerns for their players.
The issue started after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 squad on instructions from the BCCI amid reports of minority-related unrest in Bangladesh. Since then, the BCB has pushed for their World Cup matches to be shifted outside India. However, the ICC has refused to change the original schedule or move Bangladesh to another group that would allow them to play in Sri Lanka.
As per the current schedule, Bangladesh are placed in Group C with Italy, New Zealand, the West Indies, and Nepal. Their opening match is against the West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. They are scheduled to play two more group matches in Kolkata and their final group game at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. With the tournament just weeks away, no final call has yet been made.
During the latest discussions, the ICC assured the BCB that India does not pose any specific security threat to the Bangladesh team. Independent security assessments commissioned by the ICC have rated the overall risk for matches in India as low to moderate, with no direct threats identified against the team, officials, or venues in Kolkata and Mumbai. The ICC believes these risks can be managed through standard security measures.
Sources indicate that the decision now rests with the Bangladesh Cricket Board. If Bangladesh refuses to travel to India, the ICC is expected to name a replacement team. Based on current rankings, Scotland could be considered as a replacement.
Scotland likely replacement if Bangladesh withdraw from T20 World Cup 2026
The ICC is waiting for a final decision from the Bangladesh Cricket Board on whether Bangladesh will take part in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The decision is expected by 21 January. The ICC informed the BCB about this deadline during meetings held in Dhaka on 17 January. This was the second meeting between the two bodies in the same week.
The ICC has clearly said it will not change the original tournament schedule. Bangladesh are placed in Group C and are scheduled to play their matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, starting on 7 February at Eden Gardens. The ICC also did not agree to Bangladesh swapping groups with Ireland, which would have allowed Bangladesh to play opening matches in Sri Lanka.
The ICC has told the BCB that India does not pose a security threat to the Bangladesh team. The reports found no specific or direct threat to Bangladesh players, officials, or venues in Kolkata and Mumbai. The overall security risk for the tournament in India has been rated as low to moderate, which is normal for big global sporting events.
If Bangladesh finally decide not to travel to India, the ICC may bring in a replacement team. Based on current rankings, Scotland are likely to be considered as the replacement.
There has also been discussion about other teams travelling to India. The UK government has warned that terrorist attacks are very likely in India, especially in certain regions. Despite this advisory, England will travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026. England are also in Group C and will play matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has introduced a strict rule for its players during the tournament. All players must return to their hotel by midnight every day, not just on match days. This rule will apply during their Sri Lanka tour and throughout the World Cup, and any exception will need prior approval.
FAQs
Q. Who is hosting the 2026 T20 World Cup?
A. The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Q. How many teams are in the 2026 T20 World Cup?
A. There are 20 teams in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
Q. What is the ticket price for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
A. Ticket prices start from ₹100 for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
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