Bangladesh to boycott T20 World Cup 2026 after ICC rejects request seeking change of venue
Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul issued a sharp response, accusing the ICC of unfair treatment. He said the matter extends beyond sport, stressing that the country would not compromise on player safety.
PTC News Desk: Bangladesh’s dispute with the International Cricket Council over its participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has escalated, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board reiterating that the national team will not travel to India under the current conditions. Following a high-level meeting involving board officials, national players, and interim government representatives, Bangladesh has decided to stand firm on its position, even if it risks missing the global tournament.
Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul issued a sharp response, accusing the ICC of unfair treatment. He said the matter extends beyond sport, stressing that the country would not compromise on player safety. “We will not give in,” he said, warning that Bangladesh’s absence from the World Cup would carry serious implications.
The meeting was convened to review the ICC’s latest communication, which reaffirmed that the tournament schedule and venues are final, with no plans to move matches outside India. However, the BCB maintained that its concerns over player security remain unresolved. The board has repeatedly suggested Sri Lanka as an alternative venue for Bangladesh’s matches, but those proposals have been turned down. Officials emphasised that their stance is rooted in player welfare rather than political motives.