Bangladesh Stands Firm On Not Playing T20 World Cup Matches In India

Summary: Bangladesh insists on the request for the ICC to move T20 World Cup matches to Sri Lanka, despite the rejection.

Bangladesh has officially stated that it will not take part in its planned matches for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India, citing player safety and national pride as the primary reasons for this decision. The issue, which has escalated into a major dispute between Dhaka and cricket’s global governing body, has put the team’s participation under serious scrutiny. 

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul — who also advises the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs — made the comments after a meeting with officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). While he stressed that Bangladesh wants to play in the World Cup, he said doing so in India “at the cost of our national honour and security” is not acceptable.

The stand comes against the backdrop of rising tensions between the two neighbouring countries, which were further inflamed when Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was reportedly told not to take part in the IPL by an Indian franchise. Dhaka saw that move as a sign that security arrangements for its players in India might not be adequate. 

Bangladesh is asking the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its matches to co-host Sri Lanka, where a portion of the World Cup games are also scheduled. Officials say they will press their case with the ICC and hope for an impartial review of their concerns about safety and dignity. 

While Bangladesh’s position remains firm, the ICC has engaged in talks with the BCB and offered assurances about addressing the concerns. The board has denied any ultimatum from the ICC and stressed that its engagement continues constructively to find a workable solution. 

If Bangladesh ultimately refuses to travel to India for its group matches and the ICC does not move them, it could complicate their participation, since all of their scheduled games are set to be played on Indian soil. That outcome might force tough decisions around forfeits or reshuffling match venues in a tournament already shaped by complex cricket and diplomatic dynamics.