ICC urges Bangladesh to reconsider stance amid T20 World Cup venue dispute

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Tuesday (January 13) that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has requested them to reconsider their position on their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.

The development took place during a video conference between the BCB and the ICC held in the afternoon.

Bangladesh's participation remains in question after BCB asked ICC to relocate their venues from India to co-hosts Sri Lanka citing security reason after BCCI had directed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad due to the prevailing political tensions between the two nations.

In the video conference BCB was represented by its president Aminul Islam, vice- presidents Shakawath Hossain, and Faruque Ahmed along with the director and chairman of cricket operations committee Nazmul Abedin, and CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.

"During the discussions, the BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns. The Board also reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh's matches outside India," BCB said in a statement.

"While the ICC highlighted that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested the BCB to reconsider its stance, the Board's position remains unchanged. Both parties agreed that discussions will continue to explore possible solutions," it said.

"The BCB remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of its players, officials and staff while engaging constructively with the ICC to address the matter," it added.

Earlier, Sports advisor Asif Nazrul on couple of occasions insisted that Bangladesh are not ready to travel to India to play in the World Cup.

BCB vice-president Shakhawat Hossain said that that they are hoping for a positive outcome. "We are firm in the position we have taken (regarding venue relocation). We will not change our stance even by an inch. We are not going to India," Shakhawat told reporters following the meeting.

"We have stated our position and they are looking for alternatives. The path for discussion is still open," he said.

"Of course, we are in a positive position. There isn't much time, so we will see. Some arrangements will be made quickly. Since the dialogue has started, let's see what happens. But we are firm in our position," he said, adding that both parties are aware time is running out.

"Yes, the time is short. They know that too. Arrangements will be made very soon. I can't say anything more apart from the dialogue is open," he concluded.