According to reports, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a firm ultimatum after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to travel to India, citing security concerns. Instead, Bangladesh have requested that its matches be relocated to co-host nation Sri Lanka.
The issue was discussed during meetings in Dhaka over the weekend between BCB officials and representatives of the ICC, but no agreement was reached.
In a statement, the BCB confirmed it had reiterated its formal request to move the matches, while also exploring alternative solutions.
Among the options discussed was a potential group swap with Ireland, whose Group B matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka, allowing minimal disruption to the tournament schedule.
While the ICC has not officially commented, reports from Cricinfo and Indian media indicate that Bangladesh has been given a Wednesday deadline to confirm its participation under the existing arrangements.
Sources told new agency AFP that Scotland, the highest-ranked team not to qualify, could replace Bangladesh if it withdraws or is removed.
The T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, with Bangladesh drawn in England’s Group C and scheduled to play all their group games in Kolkata and Mumbai.
The situation contrasts with Pakistan’s arrangement, under which it will play all its matches in Colombo following an ICC agreement with India to use neutral venues.
The dispute is rooted in broader tensions between India and Bangladesh. It intensified on January 3 when the Kolkata Knight Riders were ordered to drop Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, triggering anger in Dhaka.
Political relations have further deteriorated since a mass uprising in Bangladesh in 2024 toppled then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina. India has since raised concerns about violence against minorities, accusations that Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus says are exaggerated.
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