DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (PCB) is still awaiting a response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on its concerns about playing in India for the 2026 T20 World Cup scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8.
BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul confirmed that the board had sent a detailed letter to the ICC two days ago explaining the reasons why playing in India was not possible.
“We have shared all relevant evidence and necessary documents with the ICC,” he said, adding, “We are yet to receive any response from them.”
There was no change in the board’s stance, he insisted, adding, “We have conveyed all our concerns to the ICC. We have to follow the government’s instructions.”
“We will take a decision only after the ICC responds,” he said, adding that he could not comment on possible actions if the matches were not shifted to Sri Lanka.
Bulbul also noted that alternative venues like Hyderabad or Chennai have not been confirmed for Bangladesh’s matches. I hope we will get a response from ICC by Monday or Tuesday.
Bangladesh are currently doing well in T20 cricket and Bulbul is confident that the team will play effectively in the right conditions. The team will play three matches in Kolkata and one group match in Mumbai.
Sources in the PCB said that the board will not accept the ICC’s decision if the venues are not shifted, but they are confident that the ICC will accept Bangladesh’s request.
Earlier, under pressure from extremist groups in India, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) selected fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released from the IPL by the Indian board.
Following Bangladesh’s threat, PCB announced that it will not send the team to India for the T20 World Cup unless the matches are relocated.
The PCB formally requested that the matches be shifted to venues outside India, while the ICC heard extensive security concerns. The Bangladesh government also supported the decision, citing security risks.