The 24-hour deadline set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to confirm its participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 has now expired, raising the possibility of a replacement squad being called up.
According to Indian media reports, despite internal discussions with government officials and players’ representatives, the BCB failed to convey its position to the ICC by the deadline.
Till the filing of this report, no formal response has been received from the PCB.
From the ICC’s point of view, the next step is clear. Had Bangladesh agreed to participate, the issue would have been resolved.
Scotland are expected to be called up as an alternate, pending confirmation. Awaiting clarity from Dhaka, Dubai may announce Scotland’s participation immediately.
BCB president Aminul Islam had talked about the possibility of a last-minute decision, but with the ICC board already voting on the matter, there seemed little room for change. Ultimately, the decision rested with Bangladesh – no action was taken.
Bangladesh had until Thursday to decide whether its team would travel to India, but reiterated its refusal citing security reasons. Asif Nasrul, sports adviser to the Bangladesh government, told Indian media that the decision not to play in India was a government order.
“Now this ICC tournament is being held in India. No matter how much the ICC says there is no security risk, the ICC does not have a home country. A country where my player is not safe – either because of terrorist pressure or because the Indian Cricket Board has failed to provide him with an extension of the government. It is the government’s decision to play in India.
While the safety of the players is a top priority, Bangladesh’s decision is expected to have major implications for its participation in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
On Thursday, the BCB formally announced its request to shift its national men’s team matches from India to Sri Lanka.
The decision was taken during a meeting between PCB officials including Chairman Aminul Islam, Sports Advisor Asif Nasrul and national players Nurul Hasan, Shamim Hossain, Hasan Mahmood, Najmul Hossain Santo, Jakar Ali, Tansid Hasan and Saif Hasan.
Following the meeting, Islam addressed the media and confirmed that Bangladesh’s stance on traveling to India for the 20-team mega event starting on February 7 remains unchanged.
He noted that the ICC had given a 24-hour ultimatum but argued that Bangladesh could not be kicked out of the tournament, saying it was a missed opportunity to reach around 200 million viewers.
The sports consultant echoed Islam’s statements, insisting that security concerns in India are based on real incidents.
For reference, Bangladesh, who were drawn in Group C, will play their first three group games in Kolkata—against the 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.
Earlier today, reports suggested that Pakistan may boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup if Bangladesh pulls out, citing non-fulfillment of its demands.