ICC Warns Bangladesh Over India Tour Refusal

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a clear warning to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), stating that Bangladesh could be replaced by another team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup if it continues to refuse to travel to India for its scheduled matches.

According to sources, the ICC has instructed the BCB to take the Bangladeshi government into confidence on the matter and communicate its final position to the ICC without delay. The BCB has reportedly been given a one-day deadline to clarify its stance, after which a final decision may be taken.

Cricket website Cricinfo reported that voting on the issue took place during an ICC Board meeting, where a majority of members supported the option of including a replacement team should Bangladesh withdraw from the tournament.

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If Bangladesh is excluded, Scotland is likely to be included in Group C as a replacement, despite the fact that Scotland did not qualify directly for the 2026 T20 World Cup and finished behind the Netherlands, Italy and Jersey in the European qualifiers.

Meanwhile, an important ICC Board meeting is currently underway, attended by directors from all Full Member nations. The meeting includes ICC Chairman Jay Shah, BCB President Aminul Islam, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, along with heads and representatives of other cricket boards. Senior ICC officials and representatives of Associate Member nations are also participating.

Sources further revealed that an independent security assessment report commissioned by the ICC has rated security concerns for teams playing in India as “medium to slightly above medium.” However, the report also stated that there is no verified or specific threat directed at any particular team.

Bangladesh has been placed in Group C of the T20 World Cup, with matches scheduled on February 7, 9 and 14 in Kolkata, while their final group match is set to be played on February 17 in Mumbai.

A final decision on the matter is expected during the ongoing ICC Board meeting.