The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) reiterated its stand of not touring India for the T20 World Cup 2026 during a meeting with International Cricket Council (ICC) officials on Saturday (January 17), NDTV reported.

The Bangla Tigers are scheduled to play their four group-stage fixtures in India (three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai).

The impasse over Bangladesh traveling to India began when the BCCI instructed KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 contract, and the franchise obliged. The Indian board’s move came amid reports of atrocities on minorities in the neighboring country.

In response, the BCB wrote to the ICC and urged the apex body to relocate their T20 World Cup games to Sri Lanka, citing securing concerns in India.

Ever since the formal request earlier this month, the ICC has held multiple meetings with the BCB, but to no avail.

The global governing body is likely to announce its final decision next week following further internal deliberations, the report further stated.

According to the report, the BCB suggested that Bangladesh can switch groups with Australia. That move will allow Bangladesh to play all of their group games in Sri Lanka as they will become a part of Group C while Australia will go to Group B.

Australia are slated to face Ireland and Zimbabwe in Colombo before taking on Oman and Sri Lanka in Pallekele.

"During the discussions, the BCB reiterated its formal request to the ICC to relocate Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka. The Board also shared the Bangladesh Government's views and concerns on safety and security of the team, Bangladeshi fans, media and other stakeholders."

"The discussions were conducted in a constructive, cordial and professional manner, with all parties engaging openly on the relevant issues. Among other points, the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group as a means of facilitating the matter with minimum logistical adjustments was discussed," the official press release from BCB read.

"The ICC delegation was represented by Gaurav Saxena, General Manager, Events and Corporate Communications, and Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager, Integrity Unit. Gaurav Saxena was unable to attend the meeting in person as his visa was received later than anticipated and therefore joined the discussions virtually. Andrew Ephgrave attended the meeting in person."

"From the BCB's side President Md Aminul Islam, Vice Presidents Md Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Director and Chairman of the Cricket Operations Committee Nazmul Abedeen and Chief Executive Officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury. The BCB and the ICC have agreed to continue engaging in constructive dialogue on this matter," it added.

(With NDTV Inputs)