Uncertainty continues to surround Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup after mixed signals emerged from discussions between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday.
People familiar with the virtual meeting told ESPNcricinfo that the ICC declined the BCB’s request to move Bangladesh’s matches outside India, citing security considerations.
The governing body reportedly indicated that Bangladesh would be required to travel to India to take part in the tournament and that failure to do so could result in the loss of points.
The BCB, however, maintains that no such warning or directive was communicated during the call.
There has been no formal statement from either the ICC or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following the meeting.
The discussion was convened after the BCB formally approached the ICC on Sunday, seeking consideration for relocating Bangladesh’s fixtures away from India.
The issue has surfaced at a critical juncture, with the 20-team tournament set to begin on February 7 across venues in India and Sri Lanka and conclude on March 8.
Bangladesh have been drawn in Group C and are scheduled to play their opening three matches in Kolkata - against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 - before travelling to Mumbai to face Nepal on February 17.
BCB officials were prompted to raise concerns with the ICC following a separate development involving Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman.
Earlier this month, the BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release the left-arm pacer, who had been signed at the IPL auction in December for Rs9.2 crore.
The decision was confirmed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, though no reasons were provided publicly.
Mustafizur was the only Bangladeshi cricketer picked at the 2026 IPL auction, adding to the sensitivity of the issue.
Sources suggest that the IPL Governing Council did not meet to deliberate on Mustafizur’s release, leaving unanswered questions about the decision-making process and the individuals involved beyond the BCCI secretary.