The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Bangladesh's request to relocate their matches from India in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had expressed security concerns and requested that their group-stage fixtures be moved to Sri Lanka, the tournament's co-host.

The ICC, after holding an emergency board meeting on Wednesday, has given the BCB a firm 24-hour ultimatum to confirm their participation. Failure to do so would result in Bangladesh being removed from the tournament and replaced by Scotland.

Bangladesh's reluctance to play in India stems from "safety and security concerns". Talks between the BCB and the ICC over the past weekend failed to resolve the issue. Asif Nazrul, the youth and sports advisor in Bangladesh's interim government, stated that Bangladesh would not be forced into playing in India through "illogical pressure or unreasonable coercion". Litton Das, Bangladesh's captain, admitted uncertainty surrounding the team's participation.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly supported Bangladesh's stance, urging the ICC to consider the "ongoing political turmoil in the region" before making a final decision.

Amidst the uncertainty, the Delhi High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on Bangladesh from all international cricket competitions, which was filed over alleged violence against the Hindu community. The court deemed the plea not legally maintainable, as it involved matters of foreign policy and international relations that fall under the executive's domain. The court also noted that Indian courts cannot issue directions affecting another nation or conduct inquiries beyond Indian territory.

The ICC maintains that security assessments and independent reviews indicate no threat to Bangladeshi players, media, officials, and fans in India. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to commence on February 7, leaving little time for further negotiations. The ICC is yet to officially comment on the situation.