BCB moves ICC, seeks relocation of Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches over security concerns

In major events ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate all Bangladesh matches to be played in India due to serious concerns for the safety and security of its players and officials.

Bangladesh, which was scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, officially refused to travel to India due to rising diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

This decision was confirmed in a statement issued by the Bangladesh Cricket Board following an emergency meeting of the Board of Directors, which convened to consider the latest political developments and discussions surrounding the withdrawal of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League.

“Following a comprehensive assessment of the current situation and growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladeshi contingent in India and taking into consideration the recommendations of the Government of Bangladesh, the Board of Directors has decided that under the prevailing circumstances, the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament,” BCB said in its official press release.

Therefore, the board approached the ICC and requested that the matches in Bangladesh be moved to a venue outside India.

“In light of this decision, the BCB has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC), as the event authority, to consider relocating all matches in Bangladesh to a venue outside India,” the statement said.

The T20 World Cup will begin on February 7 and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Currently, Bangladesh is scheduled to play all four of their group matches in India.

Pakistan, on the other hand, will play its matches in Sri Lanka as per an earlier agreement that allows India and Pakistan to compete at neutral venues during multinational tournaments.

BCB emphasized that its request was based solely on security concerns.

“The Board believes that such a step is necessary to protect the safety and welfare of Bangladeshi players, team officials, Board members and other stakeholders and to ensure that the team can participate in the tournament in a safe and appropriate environment,” the statement said, while also expressing the hope of receiving an urgent response from the ICC.

These developments come amid rising tensions following the withdrawal of Mustafizur Rahman’s no-objection certificate from participating in the IPL.

BCB decided to cancel the NOC immediately during a meeting with the board officials and officials concerned, citing security issues.

This effectively rules out the left-arm pacer’s chances of qualifying for the IPL, even if the Kolkata Knight Riders reconsider their stance.

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