Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI+
Read ePaper
Live Now

ICC T20 World Cup Bangladesh Participation Highlights: ICC yet to response after BCB refuses to play in India

ICC T20 World Cup Bangladesh Participation Highlights: A major standoff has emerged ahead of the T20 World Cup, with Bangladesh fa...

The Times of India | Jan 19, 2026, 20:48:13 IST

Tired of too many ads?go ad free now
20:48 (IST), Jan, 19

T20 World Cup Bangladesh participation Live: Has ICC reached out to Scotland to make them Bangladesh's replacement? - HERE IS THE FULL STORY

Scotland have said the ICC has not contacted them about replacing Bangladesh at next month’s T20 World Cup. Bangladesh have requested their matches be moved from India due to political tensions. Scotland, the highest-ranked non-participant team, would be ready if asked but are not initiating talks out of respect for Bangladesh. The ICC has not clarified replacement criteria, and the BCB has denied any January 21 deadline, continuing venue discussions.

19:59 (IST), Jan, 19

Bangladesh T20 WC 2026 Participation Live: The squad scheduled to travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup

Bangladesh squad: Litton Das (Captain), Mohammed Saif Hassan (Vice Captain), Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Parvez Hossain Emon, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Qazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Md Shaifuddin, Shoriful Islam.

19:30 (IST), Jan, 19

Bangladesh T20 WC 2026 Participation Live: Bangladesh's matches in this T20 World Cup

Bangladesh are scheduled to play West Indies (Feb 7), Italy (Feb 9) and England (Feb 14) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, before facing Nepal on Feb 17 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

18:53 (IST), Jan, 19

T20 World Cup Bangladesh participation Live: BCB director Amzad Hossain explains what happened in the last meeting with ICC

T20 World Cup Bangladesh participation Live: "Last Saturday, January 17, an ICC representative came. A meeting was held with a delegation from our Cricket Board. There, we clearly conveyed our position regarding the World Cup participation and informed them that we are unable to play at the specified venue, and we requested an alternative venue,"Hossain said.

"A detailed discussion took place with their representative. At that time, they told us that they would inform the ICC about these matters and later communicate the decision to us. However, they did not mention any specific date or timeline for when they would inform us—only that they would let us know the next date. Thank you."

18:27 (IST), Jan, 19

Bangladesh T20 WC 2026 Participation Live: Updates from BCB; no deadline from ICC - READ FULL STORY HERE

​Bangladesh T20 WC 2026 Participation Live: The Bangladesh Cricket Board has rejected claims that the ICC set a January 21 deadline for a T20 World Cup decision, saying no date was communicated. Bangladesh has once again sought an alternative venue, citing security concerns and national pride. Discussions are ongoing, with the ICC unwilling to alter the schedule and Bangladesh pressing for a venue change or group swap.

17:56 (IST), Jan, 19

T20 World Cup Bangladesh participation Live: Who could replace Bangladesh if they don't travel to India for the T20 World Cup? - READ FULL STORY HERE

​T20 World Cup Bangladesh participation Live: Bangladesh’s place in the T20 World Cup is still unclear after the ICC asked for confirmation by January 21. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has raised security concerns and wants its matches shifted to Sri Lanka. If Bangladesh pull out, Scotland could replace them. Talks are continuing, with a possible group swap also under discussion.

17:32 (IST), Jan, 19

Bangladesh T20 WC 2026 Participation Live: Venue Change Rejected as ICC Sticks to Schedule

Bangladesh T20 WC 2026 Participation Live: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) continues to push for a change of venue or a group reshuffle, but the ICC remains unwilling to alter the tournament schedule. Bangladesh have asked that their matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, where India and Pakistan are set to play under a pre-agreed arrangement for ICC events until 2027.

The ICC has shown little appetite for moving Bangladesh’s games, citing logistical challenges and the fact that the schedule has already been finalised. Bangladesh are due to play three league matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.



If Bangladesh refuse to travel, Scotland are the most likely replacement based on current rankings, according to reports. Such a move would dramatically alter Group C, which currently includes the West Indies, Italy, England and Nepal.


During recent talks in Dhaka, the BCB proposed swapping places with Ireland in Group B.


That group includes Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman and Zimbabwe. The change would allow Bangladesh to be based entirely in Sri Lanka.


The BCB later confirmed discussions had taken place, saying, “...the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group as a means of facilitating the matter with minimum logistical adjustments was discussed.”

17:02 (IST), Jan, 19

T20 World Cup Bangladesh participation Live: ICC sets January 21 deadline for Bangladesh

T20 World Cup Bangladesh participation Live: ​The ICC has asked the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to make a final decision on its participation in the T20 World Cup in India by January 21. Failure to do so could see Bangladesh replaced by another team in the tournament, which begins on February 7.

According to an ICC source, Bangladesh have been warned about the consequences of refusing to travel.

“The BCB officials have been told to decide on the participation by January 21. If they refuse to travel to India, then they should be ready to be replaced by another team as per rankings,” the source said, as quoted by news agency PTI.

The crisis has dragged on for weeks with no breakthrough. Bangladesh have cited security concerns and national pride as reasons for not playing their group matches in India. They are scheduled to play in Kolkata and Mumbai.

The standoff was triggered after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the 2026 IPL on instructions from the BCCI, citing unspecified “developments all around.” That decision escalated tensions and hardened positions on both sides.

With the schedule already locked in, the ICC appears reluctant to make major changes. Time is now running out for Bangladesh to decide their World Cup fate.

Tired of too many ads?go ad free now
16:32 (IST), Jan, 19

Bangladesh T20 WC 2026 Participation Live: Politics Loom Over World Cup Standoff

Beyond cricket, the dispute is unfolding against a backdrop of strained political relations between India and Bangladesh. Ties soured after a mass uprising in Bangladesh in 2024 toppled then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi.

India’s foreign ministry last month condemned what it described as “unremitting hostility against minorities” in Bangladesh, comments that further inflamed tensions. Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, has accused India of exaggerating the scale of the violence.

These political strains have increasingly bled into sporting relations, with the T20 World Cup now caught in the middle. While both sides insist decisions are based on security and logistics, the broader diplomatic context is impossible to ignore.

As the ICC weighs its next move, the situation highlights how international cricket is often shaped by forces far beyond the boundary rope. The coming days will determine whether sport can find a compromise—or become another casualty of regional politics.

16:09 (IST), Jan, 19

T20 World Cup Bangladesh participation Live: IPL Row Sparked Cricketing Fallout

T20 World Cup Bangladesh participation Live: The current dispute has roots in an earlier flashpoint involving the Indian Premier League. Tensions flared on January 3 when the IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders were instructed by India’s cricket board to drop Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.

The decision triggered anger in Dhaka and is widely seen as the moment when cricketing relations between the two countries sharply deteriorated. The fallout from that episode has since spilled into the World Cup debate, hardening positions on both sides.

For Bangladesh officials, the IPL incident reinforced concerns about how their players and team might be treated in India. For Indian authorities, it became part of a broader political and administrative dispute.

The episode illustrates how bilateral tensions can quickly escalate into major international sporting issues. What began as a franchise-level decision has now contributed to uncertainty over one of cricket’s biggest global tournaments.

15:32 (IST), Jan, 19

Bangladesh T20 WC 2026 Participation Live: Pakistan’s Neutral Venue Deal Adds Context

Bangladesh T20 WC 2026 Participation Live: Bangladesh’s demands have drawn comparisons with Pakistan’s arrangement for the same tournament. Pakistan will play all their T20 World Cup matches in Colombo under an existing ICC agreement with India that allows matches to be staged at neutral venues in global and regional tournaments.

The precedent has strengthened Bangladesh’s argument that alternative arrangements are possible. However, ICC officials are believed to see Pakistan’s case as a unique, pre-negotiated agreement rather than a template that can be easily extended to other teams.

Critics argue that allowing Bangladesh similar concessions could open the door to further venue disputes in future tournaments. Supporters counter that consistency is key and that Bangladesh’s security concerns deserve equal consideration.

The contrast between the two situations has become a central point in discussions, both publicly and behind closed doors. Whether the ICC is willing to show flexibility again may ultimately determine Bangladesh’s World Cup fate.

15:32 (IST), Jan, 19

T20 World Cup Bangladesh participation Live: Group Swap Proposal Emerges

T20 World Cup Bangladesh participation Live: ​One potential compromise under discussion is a group swap that would allow Bangladesh to avoid playing in India without forcing a full schedule overhaul. The Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed that the idea of moving Bangladesh to a different group was explored during talks with the ICC.

Under the proposal, Bangladesh could swap places with Ireland from Group B. Ireland’s matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka, which would meet Bangladesh’s request to avoid India-based fixtures while minimizing logistical disruption.

“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 BCB said.

While the idea appears practical on paper, it would still require ICC approval and agreement from other stakeholders, including broadcasters and participating teams. It also raises questions about competitive balance and fairness so close to the tournament’s start.

The ICC has yet to indicate whether it views the group swap as viable. With time running out, the proposal may represent Bangladesh’s best chance of staying in the tournament without backing down on its security concerns.

15:31 (IST), Jan, 19

Bangladesh T20 WC 2026 Participation Live: Deadline Looms as ICC Considers Replacement

Bangladesh T20 WC 2026 Participation Live: ​The pressure on Bangladesh is intensifying after reports that the ICC has set a Wednesday deadline for Dhaka to confirm whether it will play its matches in India. If Bangladesh refuses, ICC sources have told AFP that the team could be replaced by Scotland, the highest-ranked side that failed to qualify for the tournament.

Such a move would be unprecedented so close to the start of a global event and would dramatically reshape the competition. Bangladesh are currently placed in England’s Group C, and their removal would require significant adjustments to fixtures, preparation plans, and group dynamics.

The possibility of replacement highlights the ICC’s limited room for maneuver. With the tournament scheduled to begin in just weeks, officials are under pressure to finalize venues and teams without further uncertainty.

For Bangladesh, the stakes could hardly be higher. Missing a T20 World Cup would be a major sporting and financial blow, particularly at a time when cricketing relations with India are already strained. As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on Dhaka to see whether compromise is possible or whether the ICC will be forced into a drastic decision.

15:30 (IST), Jan, 19

T20 World Cup Bangladesh participation Live: Talks in Dhaka End Without Breakthrough

Efforts to resolve the standoff appear to have stalled after weekend talks in Dhaka between the Bangladesh Cricket Board and ICC officials ended without agreement. The meetings were aimed at finding a solution that would allow Bangladesh to participate in the T20 World Cup while addressing the board’s security concerns about playing in India.

In a statement released after the discussions, the BCB confirmed it had reiterated its request to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka, one of the tournament’s co-hosts. “During the discussions, the BCB reiterated its formal request to the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka,” the statement said.

Despite exploring several options, including potential scheduling and group changes, no final decision was reached. Reports suggest the ICC is growing increasingly concerned about time running out, with teams, venues, and broadcasters all requiring clarity ahead of the February 7 start date.

The lack of progress has heightened speculation that the ICC could take a hard line if Bangladesh does not back down. With no official comment from the governing body so far, uncertainty continues to hang over Bangladesh’s World Cup campaign, leaving players and fans in limbo.

15:28 (IST), Jan, 19

Bangladesh T20 WC 2026 Participation Live: ICC Issues Ultimatum to Bangladesh

Bangladesh T20 WC 2026 Participation Live: Bangladesh’s participation in next month’s T20 World Cup has been thrown into doubt after reports emerged that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has warned the team to agree to play its matches in India or face removal from the tournament. According to media reports on Monday, Dhaka has been given until Wednesday to make a final decision.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has refused to play in India, citing security concerns, and has formally requested that its matches be shifted to co-host Sri Lanka. The stance has put the ICC in a difficult position just weeks before the tournament begins on February 7.

Bangladesh are currently scheduled to play all their Group C matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, where they will face England and other group opponents. With the tournament calendar already tight, any change could have knock-on effects across venues, logistics, and broadcast schedules.

While the ICC has not yet issued an official statement, sources indicate the governing body is keen to avoid last-minute disruption. However, the warning underscores the seriousness of the situation, with Bangladesh’s World Cup spot now genuinely under threat if no compromise is reached in the coming days.

ICC T20 World Cup Bangladesh Participation Highlights: Bangladesh’s participation in next month’s T20 World Cup is under threat after the International Cricket Council (ICC) warned the team to agree to play its scheduled matches in India or risk being removed from the tournament.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has refused to play in India, citing security concerns, and has formally requested that its matches be shifted to co-host Sri Lanka. Talks between BCB officials and the ICC in Dhaka failed to produce a breakthrough, with reports suggesting Bangladesh has until Wednesday to make a final decision.

ICC sources say Bangladesh could be replaced by Scotland if they withdraw.

Bangladesh are currently placed in England’s Group C and are due to play in Kolkata and Mumbai.

The dispute is taking place against a backdrop of strained political relations between India and Bangladesh, which have increasingly spilled over into cricketing matters.

Team India’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule

Match 1 vs USA – 8 Feb, Mumbai
Match 2 vs Namibia – 12 Feb, Delhi
Match 3 vs Pakistan – 15 Feb, Colombo
Match 4 vs Netherlands – 18 Feb, Ahmedabad

Catch all the live updates around this here only on TimesofIndia.com!

TOP TRENDS

Copyright © 2026 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service