Bangladesh wants its matches of T20 World Cup matches moved out of India.
The BCB was represented by President Aminul Islam, Vice Presidents Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Director and Chairman of the Cricket Operations Committee Nazmul Abedeen, and CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.
During the meetings, the BCB confirmed its decision not to travel to India due to security concerns. The Board also reaffirmed its proposal that the ICC consider shifting Bangladesh's matches outside of India.
While the ICC underlined that the tournament itinerary had already been announced and asked the BCB to reconsider its approach, the Board's attitude remained constant. Both parties agreed that conversations would continue to explore potential solutions.
The BCB said it is still committed to ensuring the safety of its players, officials, and staff while working constructively with the ICC to resolve the issue.
The BCB and the ICC decided to continue conversations in order to explore potential alternatives and reach a mutually acceptable conclusion.
The latest development coincides with steadily rising tensions between the BCCI and the BCB. Relations between the two boards deteriorated after the BCCI canceled Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman's contract in the Indian Premier League, prompting political backlash in India in response to recurrent accusations of violence against Bangladesh's Hindu minorities.
Following the BCCI's directive, the Kolkata Knight Riders released Mustafizur, leading the BCB to call an emergency high-level meeting. Soon after, Bangladesh formally wrote to the International Cricket Council, demanding that their T20 World Cup matches be moved out of India owing to player safety concerns.
Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh's Youth and Sports Advisor, had stated that there is "no atmosphere to play" the T20 World Cup (WC) in India, citing a "letter" from the International Cricket Council's (ICC) security staff, according to a Monday report from the state news agency BSS.
Later, BCB vice president Faruque Ahmed used Pakistan as an example to bolster Bangladesh's claim, pointing out that both India and Pakistan already conduct international competitions using a mixed hosting approach.
Talking to India Ahmed, admitted today, that the deteriorating relationship between the two bodies was largely due to political concerns.
Bangladesh's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign will begin on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata against the two-time champions, West Indies. Following the West Indies, Bangladesh will play Italy on February 9 at the same location, then England, the 2022 T20 World Cup champions, in Kolkata. On February 17, they will play Nepal to round up their group stage campaign.
(India Today/PTI inputs)