The Indian government said that it is ready to host and welcome all the teams, including Bangladesh, for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, the government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India are closely monitoring the situation, while any decision on playing or shifting the match depends on Bangladesh.
The ICC had earlier rejected Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to change the venues for Bangladesh’s matches in the T20 World Cup. However, BCB has once again approached the ICC to shift the matches. This is the second time the board has asked for a change in the venue after Mustafizur Rahman opted out of the IPL.
India will follow Olympic sports policy as Bangladesh awaits final call
According to the Times of India, the Indian government is in regular touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India and is closely monitoring the developments related to Bangladesh. India will maintain its sports policy in international events in line with Olympic guidelines.
“Indian officials will react only once their government clarifies its stand or takes a final decision,” sources said.
Sources said, “The situation is different with Pakistan. There is a specific sports policy for them. India will not be involved in any bilateral games with Pakistan anywhere in the world. Nor will teams across sports disciplines travel to each other’s countries for one-on-one events. The BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have their own understanding of playing at neutral venues even in multilateral sporting events.”
Indian government leaves T20 World Cup to Bangladesh amid debate over venue
The report said that the Indian government will provide complete security to the Bangladesh team. Notably, the final choice is up to Bangladesh, and it is up to them whether they want to participate or not.
Sources said, “Complete security measures will be taken for the Bangladesh cricket team. The government’s stance has always been to welcome every country coming here to participate. The ball is in their court whether they want to come or not. The decision is completely theirs.”
Pakistan has come out in support of Bangladesh’s decision not to play in India during the T20 World Cup. Pakistan, which already has strained relations with India, is set to play all its matches outside India in Sri Lanka, one of the tournament’s co-hosts.
BCB again writes letter to ICC after talks with government advisor on T20 World Cup
The BCB has again approached the ICC to express concerns about travel to India for the T20 World Cup and reiterated its request to shift the matches to Sri Lanka.
The board sent the communication after talks with Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul and clearly listed its security concerns as asked by the ICC. At present, the ICC has not given any indication that it is planning to change the venue.
“After discussions with Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul, the BCB has once again sent a message to the ICC. The ICC wanted to know the areas of concern regarding security and the BCB has cited them,” a source close to the BCB told PTI.
Also read: To reduce India-Bangladesh tension, BCCI requested for Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL return? BCB President disclosed