KARACHI: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (PCB) said on Saturday that a possible change in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad was discussed during a meeting with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The PCB said in a statement that it discussed the proposal during a meeting with ICC representatives on matters related to Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming tournament.
During the discussion, the PCB reiterated its formal request to the ICC to shift Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka.
The cricket board said it shared the government’s views and concerns regarding the safety and security of the team, Bangladeshi fans, media and other stakeholders.
Bangladesh, who were drawn in Group C, will play their first three group matches in Kolkata against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 before concluding the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.
The BCB has refused to send its team to India, which is co-hosting the T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka, citing concerns over the safety and welfare of players and support staff, and has requested the ICC to shift its matches outside India.
Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has sparked outrage in Dhaka after the Indian Cricket Board forced him to pull out of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Meanwhile, the PCB said its discussions with the ICC were constructive, amicable and professional.
“Among other points, the possibility of shifting Bangladesh to a different group was discussed as a means of facilitating the matter with minimum logistical changes,” the cricket board added.
BCB and ICC agreed to continue to engage in constructive dialogue on the matter.
It was represented by Gaurav Saxena, General Manager, Events and Corporate Communications and Andrew Epgrave, General Manager, ICC Representation Division.
He attended the meeting after Saxena’s Bangladesh visa was delayed.
BCB’s board consists of President Aminul Islam, Vice Presidents M.D. Shakhawat Hossain and Farooq Ahmed, Cricket Operations Group Director and Chairman Nazmul Abedin and Chief Executive Officer Nizam Uddin Chaudhry.