Bangladesh out of ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as ICC rejects demand to relocate matches

Bangladesh have withdrawn from the ICC T20 World Cup after failing to receive government clearance to travel to India, where the tournament is scheduled to be held. The decision was taken after the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request for a hybrid model and granted a 24-hour window to confirm participation, leading to the team pulling out of the event.

As an alternative, Scotland will play in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as the replacement team. A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) advisor has alleged that the ICC has acted unfairly in the matter.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a firm ultimatum to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) following an emergency board meeting held virtually on Wednesday, January 21, to decide on Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India.

During the meeting, 14 of the 16 board members voted against Bangladesh’s request to relocate their matches outside India. Only Pakistan and Bangladesh supported the proposal. In the aftermath, the ICC made it clear that Bangladesh must confirm within 24 hours whether they will travel to India for the tournament, scheduled from February 7 to March 8, or face replacement by another team.

Sources indicated that the ICC was never inclined to alter its tournament plans at the last moment. Although the Pakistan Cricket Board submitted a letter backing Bangladesh’s demand, the joint effort failed to persuade the majority of the board.

The ICC reviewed detailed security assessments, including independent evaluations, and concluded there was no credible threat to Bangladesh players, officials, media or fans at any of the venues in India. Consequently, the request to shift matches to Sri Lanka was rejected.

In a statement, the ICC said Bangladesh had linked its participation to an unrelated domestic issue involving one player, which had no impact on tournament security. The ICC also dismissed a proposed group swap with Ireland.

Bangladesh were scheduled to play group matches in Kolkata on February 7, 9 and 14, before facing Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.