ICC gives Bangladesh 24-hour ultimatum over participation in 2026 T20 World Cup in India

New Delhi: The controversy surrounding the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has intensified even before the tournament begins, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) issuing a final 24-hour ultimatum to Bangladesh to decide whether it will play its scheduled matches in India or withdraw from the tournament.

The decision was taken during an ICC Board meeting held on Wednesday, where members voted by majority to reject Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to shift its matches out of India citing security concerns. Following the vote, the ICC informed the BCB that it must either agree to travel to India as per the existing schedule or opt out of the competition altogether.

Sources said the ICC made it clear that if Bangladesh refuses to play in India, a replacement team will be inducted into the tournament. “Bangladesh has been given 24 hours to communicate its final position. The tournament schedule will not be altered,” an ICC official said.

The meeting was attended by directors of all Full Member nations. ICC chairman Jay Shah chaired the meeting, which saw participation from BCB president Aminul Islam, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, Sri Lanka Cricket president Shammi Silva, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird.

Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Cricket West Indies president Kishore Shallow, Cricket Ireland chairman Brian MacNeice, New Zealand Cricket representative Roger Twose, ECB chairman Richard Thompson, Cricket South Africa representative Mohammed Moosajee, and Afghanistan Cricket Board president Mirwais Ashraf. Senior ICC management officials and Anti-Corruption Unit head Andrew F. Grave were also present.

The controversy began after Bangladesh expressed reluctance to tour India, citing security concerns following Mumbai Indians’ decision to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman ahead of IPL 2026. The BCB subsequently urged the ICC to shift Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka, arguing that Group B fixtures were already scheduled there. It also sought a change in group allocation from Group C to Group B.

However, the ICC rejected all such demands, stating that security arrangements in India meet global standards and that allowing one team to dictate venue changes would set a dangerous precedent.

According to reports, if Bangladesh withdraws, Scotland is likely to be considered as the replacement team, a move that has received majority support within the ICC Board.

As per the current schedule, Bangladesh is slated to play its league matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. The team’s opening match is scheduled for February 7 in Kolkata against West Indies, followed by two more group games at the same venue. Bangladesh’s final group-stage match is scheduled to be played in Mumbai.

With the ICC standing firm, the onus is now on the BCB to take a final call within the stipulated deadline, a decision that could have major ramifications for the tournament.

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