Dhaka, 13 January (H.S.): The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) reiterated its decision not to travel to India for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 during a video conference with the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday. Citing security concerns, BCB demanded that its matches be held outside India.The meeting focused extensively on Bangladesh's participation in the global tournament. While the ICC clarified that the schedule stands finalized and urged BCB to reconsider its stance, the board remained resolute.

Both parties agreed to continue discussions to find a workable solution.

In an official statement, BCB noted, A video conference took place this afternoon between the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council, discussing the participation of the Bangladesh national team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

BCB representatives included Chairman MD Aminul Islam, Vice-Chairman MD Shakawat Hossain and Faruk Ahmed, Cricket Operations Committee Director and Chairman Nazmul Abedin, and Chief Executive Officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury.

BCB affirmed, During discussions, the board reconfirmed its decision not to travel to India due to security concerns and requested the ICC to consider hosting Bangladesh's matches outside India.

The ICC highlighted practical and logistical challenges tied to the demand, emphasizing that the tournament schedule has already been announced, making alterations difficult. Despite this, ICC pressed BCB to rethink its position, but the Bangladeshi board showed no change.

BCB underscored that player and support staff safety remains its top priority. The board stated, BCB is committed to ensuring the security of its players, officials, and staff and will maintain positive dialogue with the ICC to resolve this issue.

Further talks between ICC and BCB are expected in coming days. With the World Cup approaching in mere weeks, major schedule changes appear highly unlikely. Nonetheless, the ICC prepares to take a final decision soon.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar