ICC Sets January 21 Deadline for Bangladesh on 2026 T20 World Cup Participation

New Delhi | January 19, 2026 The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a clear deadline to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to confirm whether Bangladesh will take part in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the ICC has asked the BCB to take a final decision by January 21, failing which Bangladesh could be replaced in the tournament. The ultimatum came after a second round of meetings between ICC officials and BCB representatives held in Dhaka on Saturday. During the meeting, the BCB repeated its willingness to play in the World Cup but maintained that it does not want to play its matches in India. Bangladesh has cited security concerns and requested that its matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, one of the co-hosts of the tournament. However, the ICC has refused to change the existing schedule. Under the current plan, Bangladesh is placed in Group C and is scheduled to play all its matches in Mumbai and Kolkata. The ICC reportedly assured the BCB that there is no security threat to the Bangladesh team in India and said the tournament arrangements meet all international safety standards. The disagreement has been continuing for nearly three weeks. The issue first surfaced on January 4, shortly after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. Soon after, the BCB wrote to the ICC stating that it was unwilling to play World Cup matches in India and warned that it could withdraw from the tournament if its demand was not accepted. The ICC has also rejected Bangladesh’s request to swap groups with Ireland. Ireland’s group matches are scheduled entirely in Sri Lanka, which the BCB had proposed as an alternative solution. Despite discussions, the ICC has remained firm that no group reshuffle or venue change will be allowed. While the ICC has given Bangladesh time until January 21 to make a final call, it has made it clear that the tournament will go ahead as planned. If Bangladesh decides to pull out, the ICC will name a replacement team based on current international rankings. Scotland is being seen as the strongest contender to take Bangladesh’s place if that happens. Meanwhile, the situation has also drawn the attention of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Earlier, GEO News reported that Pakistan may review its own participation if the Bangladesh issue is not resolved. The report said the Bangladesh government had approached Pakistan regarding security concerns, following which Pakistan assured full support. The PCB has even conveyed to the ICC that it is willing to host Bangladesh’s World Cup matches in Pakistan if Sri Lanka is not considered an option. With just days left before the deadline, the spotlight is now firmly on the BCB. Its decision on January 21 could not only impact Bangladesh’s World Cup future but also influence the wider dynamics of the tournament. ICC Gives Bangladesh a Final Deadline: January 21 for T20 World Cup Decision The ICC has given the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) a final deadline of January 21 to decide whether Bangladesh will take part in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The ICC made this decision after a second meeting with BCB officials in Dhaka, where Bangladesh again expressed its refusal to play matches in India due to security concerns. Bangladesh has asked the ICC to shift its matches to Sri Lanka, but the ICC has refused to change the original schedule. Bangladesh is currently placed in Group C, and all its matches are set to be played in Mumbai and Kolkata. The ICC also rejected Bangladesh’s request to swap groups with Ireland. The issue began after the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. Following this, the BCB warned that they may pull out of the tournament if their demand is not accepted. The ICC has also assured that there is no security threat to Bangladesh in India. If Bangladesh refuses to participate, the ICC will select a replacement team based on current rankings, with Scotland likely to benefit. Pakistan has also expressed its support for Bangladesh and may even offer to host their matches if Sri Lanka is not considered.