BCB reiterated its stance for a venue change, citing security concerns in India.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday (January 8) sent a second letter to the ICC, highlighting specific security concerns about travelling to India for the T20 World Cup 2026 while reiterating its stance for a change of venue to Sri Lanka, news agency PTI reported.
The marquee event is slated to get underway on February 7, and Bangladesh are scheduled to play their four group-stage matches in India (three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai).
The BCB decided against sending its team to India after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from his IPL 2026 contract by KKR on instructions of the BCCI.
"Following discussions with sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul, the BCB has once again sent a communication to the ICC. The ICC wanted to know areas of concern with regard to security, and the BCB has cited them," a source close to the cricket board told PTI on condition of anonymity.
However, he did not share specifics of the letter. While the apex body has maintained silence so far, it has reportedly sought clarity on the exact nature of the security concerns raised by the Dhaka-based board.
According to the report, the BCB itself is divided on the issue. While one section of the board is backing Nazrul's assertive stand, another group is in favour of keeping channels of discussion open with the ICC and Indian authorities.
They are stressing the need for beefed up and foolproof security arrangements during the team’s stay in India.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain confirmed that Bangladesh cricket team will not visit India for the T20 World Cup. Touhid endorsed Asif Nazrul's stance of not sending the team to India for safety reasons and demanding that Bangladesh's matches be relocated to co-host Sri Lanka.
"We will certainly play outside India," Touhid said. He added that both players and supporters would have to travel to India and said the government must consider their security.
KKR was asked to release Mustafizur after reports of atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh increased.
While the ICC has not given any indication that it will relocate Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka, the BCB stated that the global governing body has shown willingness to work with it in assessing the security apprehensions.
(With PTI Inputs)