Tag: Bangladesh

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday confirmed there would be no changes to the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule or groups despite Bangladesh’s request to relocate its matches to Sri Lanka amid security concerns.

The marquee event is set to commence on 7 February across Sri Lanka and India.

The decision came following an ICC Board meeting earlier in the day, held to discuss Bangladesh’s participation in the mega event.

According to the global cricket governing body, the decision was taken after security threats were cleared.

“Considering all security assessments conducted, including independent reviews, all of which indicated there was no threat to Bangladesh players, media persons, officials, and fans at any tournament venues in the country,” ICC said.

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“It was noted that it was not feasible to make changes so close to the tournament and that altering the schedule under the circumstances, in the absence of any credible security threat, could set a precedent that would jeopardise the sanctity of future ICC events and undermine its neutrality as a global governing body,” the statement added.

Bangladesh are slotted in Group C alongside West Indies, Nepal, and England.

As per the original itinerary, the Tigers’ first three matches are scheduled at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with their last group stage fixture to be played in Mumbai.

For those unaware, the whole situation arose after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India for the tournament, citing safety concerns for players and support staff, and had requested that the ICC shift the matches outside India.

The decision followed an IPL-related dispute involving pacer Mustafizur Rahman, which triggered strong reactions in Dhaka.

Despite multiple discussions, the ICC’s proposal to change venues within India was rejected by the BCB, which remains firm on playing its matches in Sri Lanka, prolonging the standoff.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), throwing its support behind Bangladesh’s stance in the ongoing controversy over venues for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.

The PCB sent an email to the ICC on Tuesday, backing the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to have its World Cup matches shifted out of India due to security concerns.

The email was also copied to other members of the ICC Board, although it remains unclear whether the PCB’s intervention directly prompted the ICC to call an emergency Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

The ICC, however, has so far remained firm on its position and is understood to be unwilling to move Bangladesh’s fixtures away from India.

The governing body has repeatedly conveyed to the BCB that the tournament schedule will not be altered, despite Bangladesh pushing for their matches to be staged in Sri Lanka, the co-hosts of the event alongside India.

The issue is expected to be discussed at the ICC Board meeting, which has been convened to address the BCB’s concerns.

January 21 had been set as the informal deadline for a resolution, with the tournament less than three weeks away from getting underway.

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The ICC and the BCB have held multiple rounds of discussions over the past week, including a meeting in Dhaka last weekend, but both sides have remained entrenched in their positions.

Bangladesh have maintained that they are unable to send their team to India for the T20 World Cup 2026, while the ICC has insisted that matches must go ahead as originally planned.

The deadlock has fuelled speculation over possible alternative arrangements, including unverified reports suggesting that Pakistan had offered to host Bangladesh’s matches.

Neither the PCB nor the ICC has officially responded to ESPNcricinfo’s queries regarding the email or the wider implications of the dispute.

The standoff reportedly began after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for IPL 2026.

The move triggered a strong reaction in Bangladesh, with the country’s government subsequently stating that the national team would not play its World Cup matches in India.

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MIRPUR: Bangladesh T20I skipper Litton Das is unsure about the national team’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on 7 February.

Bangladesh is slotted in Group C in the marquee event alongside West Indies, Nepal, and England. The Tigers’ first three matches are scheduled in Eden Gardens, Kolkata, with their last match taking place in Mumbai.

However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has refused to send its team to India for the tournament, citing safety concerns for players and support staff, and has requested that the ICC shift the matches outside India.

The decision followed an IPL-related dispute involving pacer Mustafizur Rahman, which triggered strong reactions in Dhaka.

Despite multiple discussions, the ICC’s proposal to change venues within India was rejected by the BCB, which remains firm on playing its matches in Sri Lanka, prolonging the standoff.

Das spoke to the media after Rangpur Riders lost to Sylhet Titans in the Eliminator of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

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“It’s not safe [to answer],” Das told reporters regarding the ongoing impasse in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup.

“You don’t know, I don’t know, we’re on the same page. The World Cup is still a long way away. We’re not even sure yet whether we’ll go to the World Cup at all,” he maintained.

He emphasized opponents and pointed out the clarity regarding the decision, which would ease some nerves.

“Everyone is playing the BPL, that is true, but if we had known who our group opponents were or which country we were going to, that would have helped. Until now, no player knows which country we are going to or whom we will play against. Like me, the whole of Bangladesh is now in uncertainty.

The skipper also revealed that the team had been kept in the dark regarding participation in the mega event.

“I don’t know but there has been no communication with me. Many things in life are not ideal, but you have to accept them according to the situation,” he concluded.

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan may reconsider its participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following the rising tensions between India and Bangladesh, sources said on Sunday.

According to sources, Bangladesh has contacted the Pakistan government regarding participation in the mega event due to the team’s raising security concerns.

Sources added that if the matter is not resolved, Pakistan may review its decision to participate in the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan maintains that Bangladesh has valid grounds for not traveling to India and has assured full support on the matter.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also offered to host Bangladesh fixtures amid the unavailability of venues in Sri Lanka due to logistical challenges.

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For the unversed, the dispute escalated following recent geopolitical tensions between India and Bangladesh, after which BCB formally requested a venue change, citing concerns over player safety.

The issue gained further traction after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders on the recommendation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

While the ICC has assured full security arrangements, BCB officials have maintained their stance, stating that playing on Indian soil could compromise their players’ safety.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will commence on 7 February across Sri Lanka and India.

Bangladesh were originally scheduled to play three group-stage matches in Kolkata, against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14, before travelling to Mumbai to face Nepal on February 17.

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The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2026 is set to resume on Friday after the nationwide cricket boycott was officially called off following a late-night agreement between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB).

The standoff, which brought all cricketing activity in the country to a halt on Thursday, ended after the BCB met the primary demand of the players by removing M Najmul Islam from his position as chairman of the board’s finance committee.

As a result, Thursday’s postponed BPL matches will be played on Friday, with Chattogram Royals taking on Noakhali Express in the first match of the day, followed by Rajshahi Warriors facing Sylhet Titans later in the evening.

Notably, this situation has moved every match one day ahead, which means Friday’s matches will be moved to Saturday, and the group stage will now conclude on Sunday.

For context, two BPL matches and four Dhaka Cricket League games were abandoned on Thursday after teams refused to turn up for the toss, acting on CWAB’s call for a nationwide boycott.

The protest was sparked by remarks made by Najmul Islam, which players deemed disrespectful and humiliating.

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Earlier in the day, CWAB had made Najmul’s removal a non-negotiable condition for any dialogue with the board.

The BCB responded by stripping him of the finance committee chairmanship, although he remains a board director pending the outcome of an internal inquiry.

While the players welcomed the board’s move, discussions are still ongoing over CWAB’s demand for a public apology from Najmul, a point on which differences remain between the players’ body and BCB president Aminul Islam.

Speaking at a late-night press conference at the BCB headquarters, CWAB president Mohammad Mithun confirmed the decision to end the boycott, stressing that the choice was made in the broader interest of the game.

“Keeping the greater interest of cricket in mind, we will resume playing tomorrow (Friday). The BCB has assured us that they will reach out to him and fulfil our demands as early as possible,” Mithun said, referring to Najmul Islam.

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DHAKA: Bangladesh cricketers have threatened to boycott all formats of the game unless BCB director M Nazmul Islam tenders his resignation, the country’s news outlet reported on Wednesday.

The development comes after Nazmul Islam called former opener Tamim Iqbal an Indian agent.

“This time, the people of Bangladesh witnessed, with their own eyes, the emergence of yet another proven Indian agent,” he had written on his social media post.

Tamim had said that Bangladesh should carefully consider the decision not to travel to India for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Nazmul Islam’s remarks sparked backlash, with current cricketers criticizing the statement and urging an apology.

Mohammad Mithun, president of the cricketers’ association, had stated that if the director does not resign ahead of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) fixtures tomorrow, all games will be suspended.

The announcement was made in a virtual press conference held on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the BCB has also distanced itself from the controversial remarks, noting that they were inappropriate and not reflective of the Board’s values.

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“The Board expresses its sincere regret for remarks that may be deemed inappropriate, offensive, or hurtful,” it said in a statement.

“Such comments do not reflect the values, principles, or official position of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, nor do they align with the standards of conduct expected from individuals entrusted with the responsibility of serving Bangladesh cricket,” it added.

The board further clarified that it does not endorse any remarks made by directors or board members unless issued through official channels.

“The BCB reiterates that it does not endorse or take responsibility for any statement or remark made by any director or Board member unless issued formally through the Board’s designated spokesperson or the Media & Communications Department.

Any statements made outside these authorised channels are personal in nature and should not be interpreted as representing the views or policies of the Board,” it said.

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DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) said an internal security assessment found no specific threat to the Bangladesh cricket team in India for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Cricinfo reported on Monday.

According to the report, the cricket apex body shared a security assessment with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in which the team has been cleared to travel to India for the mega event.

The internal evaluation found no overall threat to the team, although it highlighted low to moderate risks in some venues and low to negligible risks in others, which fall within standard ICC security classifications and do not ordinarily constitute sufficient reason to relocate fixtures.

Earlier, the Bangladesh sports advisor claimed that the ICC’s assessment pointed out some difficulties for the Tigers during the World Cup matches.

“We have sent two letters (to the ICC), after which the ICC security team have sent a letter,” Nazrul said.

He claimed that ICC cited three potential security implications for Bangladesh’s travel to India, including Mustafizur Rahman’s presence in the side.

“So this statement of the ICC security team has proven beyond a doubt that there is no situation for the Bangladesh cricket team to play the T20 World Cup in India.

If the ICC expects us to make a cricket team without our best bowler, our supporters will not be able to wear the Bangladesh jersey, and we will postpone the Bangladesh elections to play cricket, then there can be no more bizarre, unrealistic, and unreasonable expectation than this,” he said.

However, as per the report, ICC considers that Nazrul’s claims are a misreading of routine contingency planning and hypothetical scenarios.

Later, BCB statements clarified that the ICC security assessment was not related to Bangladesh’s official request to move their T20 World Cup games out of India.

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“The correspondence cited today by the Adviser for the Ministry of Youth & Sports was in reference to an internal communication between the BCB and the ICC’s Security Department related to threat assessments for the Bangladesh team ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” the BCB said.

“This does not constitute a formal response from the ICC to the BCB’s request for the relocation of Bangladesh’s matches outside India.

“The BCB reiterates that it has formally raised concerns regarding venue arrangements and has requested relocation of Bangladesh’s matches outside India in the interest of the team’s security. The Board confirms that it is still awaiting an official response from the ICC on this matter,” the board concluded.

For the unversed, the entire development follows Bangladesh’s ace pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s release from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

The decision was taken in accordance with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), prompting a strong response from Bangladesh.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly exploring alternate venues within India to host Bangladesh’s matches during the T20 World Cup 2026, amid an ongoing standoff with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over security concerns.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the ICC is unlikely to approve BCB’s request to shift Bangladesh’s fixtures entirely out of India to Sri Lanka, despite repeated representations from the board.

With less than four weeks remaining before the tournament begins on February 7, logistical challenges are understood to be a major factor behind the ICC’s reluctance.

The dispute escalated following recent geopolitical tensions between India and Bangladesh, after which BCB formally requested a venue change, citing concerns over player safety.

The issue gained further traction after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders on the recommendation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

While the ICC has assured full security arrangements, BCB officials have maintained their stance, stating that playing on Indian soil could compromise the safety of their players.

The ICC is yet to officially respond to BCB’s second formal letter on the matter, but reports suggest the request for relocation to Sri Lanka is expected to be rejected again.

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Instead, the ICC, in consultation with the BCCI, is considering shifting Bangladesh’s matches to alternative venues within India. Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram have emerged as potential options.

Bangladesh were originally scheduled to play three group-stage matches in Kolkata, against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14, before travelling to Mumbai to face Nepal on February 17.

However, Cricbuzz reported that both the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) have been approached regarding the possibility of hosting the matches.

The TNCA has indicated its readiness to accommodate additional fixtures at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, citing the availability of eight prepared pitches.

The KCA has also expressed a strong interest in hosting matches in Thiruvananthapuram.

Chennai is already a confirmed venue for the tournament and is set to host several matches, including a potential Super 8 fixture involving India. Thiruvananthapuram, meanwhile, is not part of the original venue list.

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DHAKA: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday revealed that they are in talks with the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking a “practical” solution to move the national team’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India.

India forced Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman to quit the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday, prompting anger in Dhaka.

With ties tense between the two countries, Bangladesh wants the ICC to shift their World Cup games from India to co-hosts Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.

The World Cup begins on February 7 and Bangladesh are scheduled to play their four group matches in India.

Senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official Nazmul Abedeen Fahim told AFP on Wednesday that talks were ongoing with the ICC “regarding security issues”.

A BCB statement said it would “continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant event authorities”, seeking an “affable and practical solution that ensures the smooth and successful participation of the team”.

The ICC have not commented.

Bangladesh international Mustafizur was snapped up at IPL auction in December by the Kolkata Knight Riders for more than $1 million.

But he was let go on the Indian cricket board’s “advice” after what it called “recent developments”.

Political relations between India and Bangladesh soured after a mass uprising in Dhaka in 2024 toppled then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi.

India’s foreign ministry last month condemned what it called “unremitting hostility against minorities” in Muslim-majority Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, has accused India of exaggerating the scale of the violence.

The BCB on Wednesday said it was “firmly committed to placing the highest priority on the safety, security and well-being” of the team.

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Bangladesh could face serious consequences if they opt out of travelling to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with reports suggesting the team may be forced to forfeit points if they fail to fulfil their fixtures.

According to ESPNcricinfo, differing versions have emerged following a virtual meeting between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) held on Tuesday.

The call was convened after the BCB formally approached the ICC on Sunday, requesting that Bangladesh’s matches scheduled in India be shifted to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.

Reports claim the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request and conveyed during the meeting that the team would need to travel to India to participate in the tournament.

Failure to do so, the ICC reportedly warned, could result in Bangladesh forfeiting points in the competition.

However, the BCB has denied receiving any such ultimatum, insisting that no formal instruction or threat of sanctions was communicated by the ICC during the discussion.

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As of now, neither the ICC nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an official statement clarifying the outcome of the meeting.

The situation has escalated amid heightened tensions following the abrupt release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.

Mustafizur was picked up in the December auction for INR 9.2 crore before being released on reported directives from the BCCI, a move that prompted a strong reaction from the BCB and is believed to have triggered its approach to the ICC.

The uncertainty comes less than a month before the start of the 20-team T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Bangladesh have been placed in Group C and are slated to play their opening three matches in Kolkata, against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14.

They will wrap up their group-stage campaign against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

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