Bangladesh Firm on T20 World Cup Boycott in India Amid Security Concerns and Political Tensions

Bangladesh Maintains Stance on T20 World Cup Participation

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reaffirmed its decision not to participate in its scheduled ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, citing persistent security concerns and strained political relations between the two nations. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is slated to begin on February 7 and conclude on March 8. Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play four group matches in India, with three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.

Political Tensions and Cricketing Fallout

The current standoff escalated following the controversial removal of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL 2026 squad by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on January 3, 2026, reportedly under instruction from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This move, widely perceived as politically motivated, sparked significant outrage in Dhaka and led to a ban on IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh. The cricketing dispute is set against a backdrop of deteriorating political relations between India and Bangladesh. Tensions heightened after a mass uprising in Dhaka in 2024 led to the ousting of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi. India's foreign ministry subsequently condemned what it termed 'unremitting hostility against minorities' in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, a claim that Bangladesh's interim leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, has accused India of exaggerating.

ICC's Security Assessments and Call for Reconsideration

Despite the BCB's firm position, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has conducted independent security assessments that indicate a 'low to moderate' overall risk for the tournament in India, a level considered normal for major global sporting events. These assessments found no specific or direct threats to the Bangladesh team, its officials, or any of the match venues. The ICC has urged the BCB to reconsider its stance, emphasizing that the tournament schedule has already been finalized and published. Furthermore, the ICC has refuted claims made by Bangladesh's Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul, who alleged that the ICC had validated Bangladesh's security concerns. The BCCI, for its part, has distanced itself from the issue, stating that matters of venue and participation fall under the ICC's jurisdiction.

Ongoing Discussions and Domestic Challenges

Discussions between the BCB and the ICC are ongoing, with both parties agreeing to explore possible solutions. The BCB has reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh's matches to co-host Sri Lanka or a neutral venue, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its players, officials, and staff. Adding to the complexity, reports indicate internal turmoil within Bangladesh cricket, with players reportedly threatening to boycott all forms of cricket unless BCB director Nazmul Islam resigns. This threat follows controversial statements made by Islam regarding players' potential financial losses should they boycott the World Cup.