ICC committed to ensure Bangladesh's full participation in T20 WC: BCB

• BCB categorically rejects claims of being issued ultimatum by ICC.
• False claims do not reflect nature of communication with ICC: BCB
• BCB says ICC responded to Bangladesh's security concerns in India.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), in an official statement, said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring Bangladesh’s full participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, firmly rejecting reports that the global body had issued an ultimatum or turned down the board’s security-related request outright.

The clarification follows conflicting media reports regarding a virtual meeting between the ICC and the BCB on Tuesday concerning Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

According to earlier reports by ESPNcricinfo, the ICC had rejected Bangladesh’s request to move their T20 World Cup matches out of India due to security concerns and had warned that the team would need to travel to India or risk losing points. The BCB, however, has categorically denied receiving any such warning.

In its official statement, the BCB said the ICC had responded to the board’s expressed concerns over the safety and security of the Bangladesh national team in India, including the request for relocation of matches. 

The ICC, the statement said, reaffirmed its commitment to the “full and uninterrupted participation” of Bangladesh in the tournament and conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised.

The ICC also assured the BCB that its inputs would be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event.

“The BCB categorically states that such claims are completely false, unfounded and do not reflect the nature or content of the communication received from the ICC,” the board said, referring to reports suggesting that it had been issued an ultimatum.

The ICC had organised the meeting after the BCB wrote on Sunday asking the council to “consider” shifting Bangladesh’s matches away from India.

While neither the ICC nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) initially issued a statement outlining the outcome of the call, BCB sources earlier told Geo News that the board later received an email from the ICC seeking further clarification on the security concerns cited in the initial correspondence.

Those sources said the ICC requested specific details regarding the nature of the concerns, and the BCB was preparing a detailed response.

The issue has surfaced less than a month before the start of the 20-team tournament. Bangladesh, placed in Group C, 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 completing the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

The BCB had approached the ICC after the BCCI reportedly directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman.

The BCCI’s secretary, Devajit Saikia, informed the media of the decision, although no explanation was given for asking KKR to let go of Mustafizur, who was the sole Bangladesh player bought at the 2026 auction.

It may be noted that the IPL Governing Council did not convene to deliberate on the matter, leaving uncertainty over who, apart from Saikia, was involved in taking the decision regarding Mustafizur.

In its statement, the BCB said it would continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant event authorities to reach an affable and practical solution, while reiterating that the safety, security and well-being of the Bangladesh national team remain its highest priority.