The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering strict action against Bangladesh following the country's refusal to participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. According to sources, ICC Chairman Jay Shah is currently in Dubai to make the final decision on the matter.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had requested the ICC to move their matches to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns for its players. These concerns reportedly arose from strained relations between India and Bangladesh, including incidents of crimes against minorities in Bangladesh. The removal of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders' Indian Premier League (IPL) squad further exacerbated the situation. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ordered this removal amid growing demands in India after atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh.

However, the ICC rejected Bangladesh's request to shift their matches, stating that independent security assessments found no credible threat to the safety of the Bangladesh team, officials, or fans at any of the tournament venues in India. The ICC Board of Directors voted 14-2 in favor of Bangladesh playing their group-stage matches in India, following an independent security assessment that rated the threat as "low to moderate".

Despite the ICC's assurances and the potential consequences, the BCB has maintained its stance, with support from the Bangladesh government. Bangladesh's Sports Advisor, Asif Nazrul, stated that the decision not to play in India was a government decision based on security concerns. Nazrul also accused the ICC of failing to ensure justice by not considering Bangladesh's request for a venue shift.

In a final attempt to resolve the issue, the BCB appealed to the ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) to overturn the council's verdict. The DRC consists of independent lawyers and is an arbitration body that resolves disputes related to the ICC. However, this appeal was rejected because it was outside the sub-committee's remit.

With Bangladesh remaining firm on its decision, the ICC faces the prospect of replacing the team in the T20 World Cup. Scotland is widely reported to be the standby team and is expected to be confirmed as the replacement. The ICC had issued an ultimatum to Bangladesh, asking it to either agree to travel to India or risk being replaced.

The potential exclusion of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup could have significant implications. BCB President Aminul Islam has stated that the ICC would miss out on 200 million viewers if Bangladesh were excluded from the tournament. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has even suggested that Pakistan should support Bangladesh by also skipping the event.

The ICC's final decision on the matter is expected soon, with Chairman Jay Shah in Dubai to oversee the process. The consequences for Bangladesh could be severe, potentially including further ICC sanctions for failing to fulfill its obligations under the Members Participation Agreement (MPA). The situation remains tense, with the future of Bangladesh's participation in the T20 World Cup hanging in the balance.