Bangladesh’s participation in the global showpiece continues to remain uncertain.
With nearly three weeks remaining for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Bangladesh’s participation in the global showpiece continues to remain uncertain.
The Bangla Tigers are scheduled to play their T20 World Cup group-stage fixtures in Kolkata and Mumbai. However, the BCB has refused to travel to India, citing securing concerns. Instead, the board want its matches to be moved to Sri Lanka, the co-hosts of the marquee event.
The tiff had begun earlier this month when, on the BCCI's instruction, KKR released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 roster.
In a fresh twist, Pakistan have said they will review their participation in the T20 World Cup if apprehensions involving the Bangladesh cricket team remain unresolved, GEO News reported.
According to the report, the decision was taken after the Bangladesh government reached out to Pakistan seeking support over security-related issues.
The report further claimed that Pakistan stressed no country should face pressure or threats regarding its hosting responsibilities, while also extending full assurance of support to Bangladesh.
Amid the standoff, PCB had earlier formally communicated its willingness to stage all of Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches.
Meanwhile, the ICC is firm on not altering the original schedule, as per which, Bangladesh are placed in Group C along with Italy, New Zealand, West Indies and Nepal.
As per a report published in ESPNCricinfo, the ICC did not agree to having Bangladesh and Ireland switch groups during Saturday’s meeting with BCB, taking Bangladesh to Group B and making them play games in Sri Lanka. The apex body is also understood to have assured BCB that India pose no security threats to the Bangladesh team.
The ones familiar with all discussions between both parties have indicated that the ball is in the BCB's court to take a final call. If they declined to send their team to India, ICC won’t hesitate to name a replacement, and as per current rankings, it could be Scotland.
As per ICC sources, the overall security risk for all teams in India has been assessed as low to moderate, in line with other major global sporting events.