The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) denied receiving an ultimatum from the International Cricket Council (ICC) over their T20 World Cup 2026 request.  

While the BCB had previously reported approaching the ICC to request a change of venue, citing security concerns in India, reports later stated the request was denied, with Bangladesh purportedly being warned to play in India or face losing points.

The board, however, maintains that no such warning was communicated to them.

"In its communication, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament. The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the Board’s inputs will be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event," the BCB said in the media release.

In response to recent media rumors, the BCB categorically denied that it had received an ultimatum from the ICC. The board stated in an official statement that these assertions are inaccurate in both the nature and content of its correspondence with the international regulatory body.

"The BCB has also taken note of certain reports published in a section of the media suggesting that the Board has been issued an ultimatum in this regard. The BCB categorically states that such claims are completely false, unfounded, and do not reflect the nature or content of the communication received from the ICC," BCB added.

The Bangladesh board has taken serious offense to the removal of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL 2026 squad at the direction of the BCCI. This decision is seemingly tied to the reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

In response, BCB wrote to ICC showing unwillingness to travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026, and the government also suspended the broadcast of the IPL 2026 in the country till further notice.

The BCB reaffirmed that the safety and welfare of the national team continue to be its first priority and said it will keep talking with the ICC and event administrators to find a practical solution.

"The Board will continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant event authorities in a cooperative and professional manner to arrive at an affable and practical solution that ensures the smooth and successful participation of the team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board remains firmly committed to placing the highest priority on the safety, security, and well-being of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team," the BCB concluded.

Bangladesh will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 journey on February 7 with a Group C match against two-time champions West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The team will play its next two games in the city, first against Italy on February 9 and then against England at the same site. Their final group match is scheduled for February 17 against Nepal at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

(ANI/PTI inputs)