There have been conflicting reports that emerged after an MCC International Cricket Council and the Bangladesh Cricket Board discussion regarding Bangladesh’s engagement with the India-based T20 World Cup 2026 match.
Although there are reports about the ICC’s tough stand, a denial came from the BCB about any formal warning being issued by the international governing body.
ICC Rebuffs BCB’s Request on Moving Matches Out of India
According to details by the reports, the ICC has made it known in an online meeting held on Tuesday that it will not grant the BCB its wish to shift the Bangladesh matches out of India.
The ICC is believed to have made it clear that Bangladesh will have to go to India in order to play their matches that have been scheduled for the T20 World Cup 2026, failing which they would be left with no option but to forfeit points. The BCB, however, rejected these news reports with their statement that no warning was given to them.
No Official Statement From ICC, BCCI, or BCB Yet
Although the problem has been quite serious, the ICC or the BCB/BCCI has failed to give a statement regarding the Tuesday call outcome. This meeting has been arranged as the BCB has written a letter on Sunday to the ICC to ‘consider’ shifting the Bangladesh matches away from India. This lack of official communication has contributed to the ambiguity surrounding Bangladesh’s intention to participate.
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Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 Match Schedule in India
The T20 World Cup 2026, featuring 20 teams, is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Bangladesh, placed in Group C, is scheduled to play:
- February 7: vs West Indies – Kolkata
- February 9: vs Italy – Kolkata
- February 14: vs England – Kolkata
- February 17: vs Nepal – Mumbai
Any changes to this schedule would require ICC approval.
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Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Exit Triggered the BCB’s Move
The BCB decided to reach out to the ICC following the BCCI instruction to KKR to leave Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman out of their IPL 2026 squad.
Mustafizur was bought at the December IPL auction for INR 9.2 crore and was the only Bangladesh player picked at the auction. The decision was publicly confirmed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, though no reason was provided for the release.
Questions Raised Over BCCI’s Decision-Making Process
There are reports that the IPL Governing Council never met to discuss the issue, which creates a question as to who all gave their assent to it besides Saikia. All this has made the situation between the BCB, BCCI, and ICC more complex with the T20 World Cup 2026 in view.
Uncertainty Looms Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
With only a month left for the tournament, ICC and BCB standoff is one of the most problematic off-field issues that can be expected before T20 World Cup 2026. Whether Bangladesh will stick to the stipulated schedule or need some assistance can only be judged with time.
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