BCB denies reports of ICC ultimatum over T20 World Cup venues in India

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has strongly rejected media reports claiming that the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued an ultimatum threatening point deductions if Bangladesh refuses to play its group-stage matches in India during the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the BCB clarified that it had formally communicated security concerns to the ICC regarding the team's participation in matches scheduled on Indian soil. 

The ICC responded positively, reaffirming its commitment to Bangladesh's full involvement in the tournament and expressing readiness to collaborate on addressing those concerns.

The BCB stated, "Reports in the media about an alleged ultimatum from the ICC are inaccurate and unrelated to the actual content of their communication. The ICC has assured us of their dedication to ensuring the safety of all participants and has indicated they will carefully review our inputs as part of the tournament's detailed security planning."

The board emphasised that player safety and welfare remain its top priority ahead of the global event.

This development follows earlier reports suggesting the ICC had outright rejected the BCB's request to relocate Bangladesh's fixtures—primarily in Kolkata and Mumbai—to Sri Lanka, citing no credible security threats. 

However, the BCB maintains that ongoing discussions with the ICC are constructive, with no strict directives received.

The controversy stems from heightened tensions after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad, amid political pressures. 

In response, Bangladesh imposed a ban on IPL broadcasts, and the BCB initially expressed reluctance to travel to India.

The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, commences on February 7, with Bangladesh slated to open against West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

Further group matches include fixtures against Italy and England in Kolkata, and Nepal in Mumbai. 

With less than a month remaining, the final decision on venues awaits resolution between the BCB and ICC.