An International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is expected to visit Bangladesh soon to have face-to-face discussions on the national team’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026. The upcoming T20 tournament is scheduled to begin on February 7 and will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh’s Sports Ministry and BCB stand firm on their decision that the team will not tour India and will play matches only in Sri Lanka. The ICC urged the board to reconsider its position, but the BCB did not change its mind. Both sides have agreed to continue talks in an effort to find an alternative.
ICC team likely to visit Bangladesh for talks ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
Sports advisor Asif Nazrul confirmed that an ICC delegation could visit the country for talks. Speaking to the media at the Foreign Service Academy on Thursday, Nazrul said he was keen to take part in the World Cup but would not change his position on the venues.
Nazrul said that the team wants to play the tournament in Sri Lanka and said that it is possible to make this arrangement without any compromise.
“As per the latest update, Mr. Aminul Islam [BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul] Informed me that the ICC team is likely to come to Bangladesh for discussions. There is no possibility of change in our stand. The sports advisor said, we are looking forward to playing the World Cup, especially in Sri Lanka and I strongly believe that organizing it is not impossible.
BCB official confirms ongoing talks at ICC, date of tour has not been decided yet
According to a report in The Daily Star, a BCB official said on condition of anonymity that discussions with the ICC are likely. The official confirmed that talks are continuing, but added that no final schedule has been set yet, as the date of the delegation’s visit is still undecided.
“We are discussing, and a delegation is going to come, but the exact date has not been decided. We are in communication, but the time is not fixed,” a BCB official said on condition of anonymity.
BCB talked to ICC in a video meeting. During the call, the board said that the team would not travel to India due to security concerns and asked for Bangladesh’s matches to be played in Sri Lanka. ICC said that the schedule of the tournament has already been announced.
BCB confirms decision not to travel to India for T20 World Cup 2026
According to the statement, BCB reiterated its request for Bangladesh’s matches to be played outside India. The ICC asked the BCB to reconsider its position, but the board said that its stance has not changed.
“During the discussion, the BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India citing security concerns. The Board also reiterated its request to the ICC to consider moving Bangladesh’s matches outside India. While the ICC highlighted that the tournament schedule has already been announced and requested the BCB to reconsider its stance, the Board’s position remains unchanged,” the BCB said.
Also read: Bangladesh Premier League to resume on Friday after BCB removes Nazmul Islam
