The International Cricket Council and the Bangladesh Cricket Board are attempting to resolve a high-stakes standoff regarding the team’s participation in the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup in India. Following a virtual conference call on Tuesday, the BCB reported that the ICC has expressed a "willingness to work closely" to address security concerns that led the board to request a relocation of its fixtures.
While the BCB claims the global body's response was favourable, internal reports suggest the ICC remains firm that altering the tournament schedule is nearly impossible with the event set to begin on February 7.
The current schedule has Bangladesh playing its first three Group C league matches in Kolkata, followed by a final group game in Mumbai. The BCB’s emergency meeting on January 4 led to a formal request to move these games to co-host Sri Lanka to "safeguard the safety and well-being of players and stakeholders."
However, current assessments by the ICC have reportedly found no "actionable security inputs" or credible threats to support a venue change. A final resolution is expected to be reached on or before Sunday, January 11.
The crisis was triggered by a recent directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India to the Kolkata Knight Riders, instructing the franchise to withdraw Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the 2026 IPL season. Rahman, who was signed for INR 9.2 crore, was released without a public explanation, sparking an immediate backlash in Dhaka.
In response, the BCB requested the World Cup venue change citing security risks, and the Bangladeshi interim government banned the broadcast of the IPL, stating the "unceremonious dumping" of a star player had "hurt the people."
These sporting tensions mirror a sharp decline in diplomatic relations between the neighbouring nations since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to New Delhi in August 2025. Recent geopolitical flashpoints include the public lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh over blasphemy allegations and a subsequent attempt by Hindutva activists to storm the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.
Despite reports suggesting the ICC issued an ultimatum; warning that Bangladesh would forfeit points if they refused to travel, the BCB has labelled such claims as "completely false and unfounded." The board maintains it is seeking an "affable and practical solution" through constructive engagement.
If the impasse continues past the January 10 formal response deadline, the tournament risks its first major forfeit, as the ICC has indicated it will not seek a replacement team for the Group C slots.
