Bangladesh's participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup hangs in the balance as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) seeks more time to deliberate on traveling to India, after the International Cricket Council (ICC) outvoted their request to move their matches to Sri Lanka. The BCB's reluctance stems from persistent security concerns, with BCB President Aminul Islam reiterating that "India is not safe" for the team.

The ICC has given the BCB until January 22, 2026, to make a final decision, after a board meeting on January 21 concluded with the majority voting against altering the tournament schedule. Should Bangladesh refuse to participate in India, they risk being replaced by Scotland in Group C. Group C also includes England, Nepal, Italy, and the West Indies.

Aminul Islam conveyed his intention to consult with the Bangladesh government "for one last time". Despite acknowledging the ICC's stance, he expressed hope for a "miracle from the ICC," emphasizing the desire of both the players and the government to participate in the World Cup. However, the BCB president stood firm on his assessment of the security situation, stating, "We don't think India is safe for our players".

The ICC, in its official statement, asserted that all security assessments, including independent reviews, indicated no credible threat to the safety of the Bangladesh team, media, officials, and fans at any of the Indian venues. The governing body deemed it unfeasible to make changes so close to the tournament, adding that altering the schedule without a valid security threat could set a detrimental precedent for future ICC events.

The dispute arose after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad, citing unspecified "developments all around". This move triggered a series of events, including Bangladesh banning the broadcast of the IPL within the country and the BCB informing the ICC of their decision not to send the national team to India for the World Cup.

Bangladesh was scheduled to play three matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata and one at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The BCB had proposed relocating their matches to Sri Lanka or swapping positions with Ireland in Group B to remain in Sri Lanka for their group-stage engagements. However, Sri Lanka refused to accommodate a new team in their group.

Asif Nazrul, the youth and sports advisor in the Bangladesh interim government, stated that Bangladesh would not be forced to play in India through "illogical pressure or unreasonable coercion". He argued that Bangladesh had logically requested a change of venue for valid reasons.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also weighed in on the matter, expressing support for Bangladesh's concerns in a letter to the ICC. The PCB backed the BCB's reluctance to play matches in India, citing regional political instability.

With the clock ticking, the BCB faces a tough decision that could have significant implications for Bangladesh's participation in the T20 World Cup and its relationship with the ICC. The tournament is scheduled to commence on February 7, 2026.