ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a firm warning to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), stating that Bangladesh could be removed from the upcoming T20 World Cup if it continues to refuse to play its scheduled matches in India.
According to ESPN Cricinfo, the ICC board discussed the issue during a meeting and a majority of members supported the option of including a replacement team should Bangladesh withdraw. The BCB has been given one day to consult with the Bangladeshi government and formally communicate its final position to the ICC.
Sources revealed that Scotland could replace Bangladesh in Group C if a withdrawal occurs, despite failing to qualify directly for the 2026 T20 World Cup through the European Qualifiers.
Bangladesh is scheduled to play its group matches on February 7, 9, and 14 in Kolkata, followed by its final group fixture on February 17 in Mumbai.
The ICC board meeting is currently under way in Dubai, attended by senior officials including ICC Chairman Jay Shah and BCB President Aminul Islam. An independent security assessment commissioned by the ICC classified security risks in India as moderate but confirmed no specific threats to any team.
In an official statement, the ICC confirmed that the tournament will proceed as scheduled, rejecting BCB’s request to move matches to Sri Lanka due to logistical constraints and security assurances.
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