United News of Bangladesh

The diplomatic crisis surrounding the T20 World Cup has intensified just hours before a prospective deadline, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally intervening to support Bangladesh's refusal to play in India. On Tuesday, as ESPNcrinfo reported, the PCB sent a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its board members, backing the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) stance that the political climate in India poses a security risk. This move comes just a day before the ICC board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to make a final call on Bangladesh's participation in the tournament. The ICC has called an urgent board meeting for Wednesday to resolve the impasse, which threatens to derail the event less than three weeks before it begins. While the timing of the PCB’s email has raised eyebrows, sources suggest it is unlikely to alter the ICC's firm position. Read more: Bangladesh not to accept any illogical ICC conditions under Indian pressure: Sports Adviser The global body has repeatedly conveyed to the BCB that the World Cup schedule will not be changed to move Bangladesh's matches to co-host Sri Lanka. Both sides have remained deadlocked, with the ICC insisting on the original itinerary and the BCB, backed by their government, refusing to travel to India. Speculation regarding Pakistan's involvement has been rife for days, with unverified reports suggesting the PCB might review its own participation contingent on the outcome of the Bangladesh issue. While the PCB has not publicly commented, their email confirms a unified front with Bangladesh. This diplomatic row originated when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, citing worsening political ties—a move that prompted the Bangladesh government to bar the national team from playing in India. Read more: T20 World Cup: PCB suspends preparations, Pakistan signals Support for Bangladesh

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul on Tuesday said Bangladesh will not accept any unreasonable conditions if the ICC creates pressure on the country under influence from the Indian Cricket Control  Board. “If the International Cricket Council (ICC) bows to pressure from the Indian Cricket Board and tries to impose any illogical condition on us, we will not accept,” he told reporters at the Secretariat. He also said Bangladesh cannot be forced to travel to India to play the T20 World Cup under pressure. Read more: T20 World Cup: PCB suspends preparations, Pakistan signals Support for Bangladesh Asked about a report by French news agency AFP which said Scotland would replace Bangladesh in the World Cup if the team refuses to go to India, the adviser said they have not officially heard any such decision. “There are precedents in international cricket, when India refused to play in Pakistan the ICC changed the venue. We have reasonably asked for a venue change,” he added. Bangladesh recently informed the ICC that they would not travel to India for the tournament due to political tensions and requested their matches be moved to another venue. BCB rejects ICC’s plea to reconsider India tour to play T20 World Cup A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation and travel to India is expected by Wednesday. The ICC has not clarified how it would select a replacement team if a participant withdraws. Tensions escalated recently after Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the IPL due to security threats, a concern reportedly validated by the ICC’s own “Internal Threat Assessment Report”.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not approached Scotland about replacing Bangladesh at next month’s men’s T20 World Cup, though Scottish players say they would be ready if needed. Bangladesh recently informed the ICC that they would not travel to India for the tournament due to political tensions and requested their matches be moved to another venue. As the highest-ranked team not in the tournament, Scotland could be considered if Bangladesh withdraws, but Cricket Scotland has not been contacted and is not initiating talks, out of respect for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Read more: Bangladesh not to accept any illogical ICC conditions under Indian pressure: Sports Adviser Scotland missed out on the 2026 T20 World Cup after finishing fourth in last summer’s Europe Qualifier, with the Netherlands and Italy claiming the two available spots. Their players are currently training ahead of a one-day international tri-series with Namibia and Oman in Windhoek in March. A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation and travel to India is expected by Wednesday. The ICC has not clarified how it would select a replacement team if a participant withdraws. Previously, Scotland replaced Zimbabwe at the 2009 T20 World Cup after Zimbabwe pulled out for political reasons. With current T20 World Cup qualifications conducted regionally, any replacement decision is likely to be at the ICC’s discretion. Scotland is currently ranked 14th in the ICC T20 rankings. The ICC could also move Bangladesh’s matches to a less politically sensitive area in India or transfer their games to co-host Sri Lanka. Reports suggest the BCB has requested a group swap with Ireland, whose matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka. Cricket Ireland said its schedule remains unchanged but it is monitoring the situation closely. Read more: Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup deadlock: Ireland rejects group swap, Pakistan sides with BCB #With inputs from BBC

The ICC T20 World Cup faces fresh uncertainty as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly halted all national team preparations on Monday (January 19, 2026) with the board instructing team management to develop a ‘contingency plan’ in case Pakistan decides to withdraw from the tournament. Geo News, a mainstream Pakistani media, reported that the PCB has taken this drastic step in solidarity with Bangladesh, whose participation remains in doubt due to security concerns regarding venues in India. Read more: Mustafizur Rahman named in Wisden’s 2025 T20 team of the year Officials stated that Pakistan views Bangladesh’s security apprehensions as “reasonable and valid” and warned that they would reconsider their own participation if these grievances are not addressed. While the PCB has offered to host Bangladesh's matches as an alternative, logistical solutions appear to be narrowing after Cricket Ireland rejected a proposed group swap, confirming they have received “definitive assurances” that they will remain in Sri Lanka. The standoff is fast approaching a breaking point, with a final decision on Bangladesh's participation expected by January 21. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) must announce by this deadline whether they will travel to India or forfeit their spot. Should Bangladesh decline to participate, the ICC is expected to nominate Scotland as their replacement based on rankings. Read more: Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup deadlock: Ireland rejects group swap, Pakistan sides with BCB Despite the BCB's insistence on venue changes, the ICC maintains that there is “no specific threat” to the team and the original schedule remains unchanged. 

The diplomatic crisis surrounding the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has escalated to a new level, with Pakistan media reporting that the country may review its own participation in the tournament if Bangladesh's security concerns regarding India remain unresolved. The move follows a formal request for support from the Bangladesh government, prompting Islamabad to warn that failing to address these grievances could impact the wider tournament preparations. Pakistan has taken a firm diplomatic stance, emphasizing that no country should face pressure regarding hosting responsibilities and assuring Bangladesh of “full support”. Read More: BCB rejects ICC’s plea to reconsider India tour to play T20 World Cup The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also formally communicated its interest in hosting Bangladesh's fixtures if venues in Sri Lanka are unavailable, citing its readiness following the successful hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, a logistical solution proposed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to swap groups with Ireland appears to have collapsed. Cricket Ireland dismissed reports of a potential exchange, stating they have received “definitive assurances” from the ICC that they will remain in Sri Lanka for the group stages. A Cricket Ireland official confirmed, “We're definitely playing the group stage in Sri Lanka,” effectively rejecting the proposal the BCB tabled during a meeting with ICC executives in Dhaka on Saturday. Read more: Rajshahi Warriors top table with a tense 3-wicket win over Chattogram This development leaves Bangladesh in a precarious position under the current schedule. They remain in Group B alongside West Indies, England, Nepal, and Italy, with three matches scheduled in Kolkata and one in Mumbai starting February 7.//

As the BCB and the ICC continue talks on whether Bangladesh will play their matches at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India amid security concerns, it is worth recalling other occasions when teams opted out of playing ICC events in host nations. The Bangladesh Cricket Board and the ICC are weighing options regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India, citing safety issues. Below are five past instances in which teams refused to play ICC tournaments in host countries. 1996 ODI World Cup: Australia, West Indies stay away from Sri Lanka Ahead of the 1996 ODI World Cup, co-host Sri Lanka was facing a civil war, and a bomb blast in Colombo in January—just weeks before the tournament—intensified security fears. Read more: BCB to continue ‘constructive engagement’ with ICC for T20 World Cup solution In a show of support, a combined India-Pakistan XI played a friendly against Sri Lanka in Colombo before the event. Australia and West Indies, however, declined to travel to Colombo for their group matches against Sri Lanka and forfeited points as a result. Sri Lanka progressed comfortably to the quarter-finals, as did Australia and West Indies, and later defeated Australia in the final in Lahore. 2003 ODI World Cup: England avoid Zimbabwe; New Zealand skip Kenya The first Africa-hosted ODI World Cup in 2003—co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya—saw two teams refuse to play in host nations. England did not travel to Harare to play Zimbabwe, citing opposition by the UK government under Tony Blair to Robert Mugabe’s regime. New Zealand declined to play Kenya in Nairobi due to security concerns following a bombing in Mombasa months earlier. Both teams asked for their matches to be relocated, but the ICC rejected the requests and awarded walkovers to Zimbabwe and Kenya. England exited in the first round, while New Zealand advanced to the Super Sixes. Kenya, benefiting from the forfeiture, went on to reach the semi-finals. 2009 T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe withdraw Relations between Zimbabwe and the UK remained strained, raising doubts over whether Zimbabwean players would receive visas to travel to England for the 2009 T20 World Cup. In July 2008, the ICC and Zimbabwe reached what they termed a “win-win” agreement. Zimbabwe withdrew from the tournament “in the larger interest of the game,” saying they did not want to be unwelcome participants, but received their full participation fee. Scotland, an Associate nation, replaced them after qualifying. 2016 Under-19 World Cup: Australia pull out Australia had already withdrawn from a bilateral series in Bangladesh in October 2015 due to security concerns. By the time of the 2016 Under-19 World Cup, their position was unchanged, citing a continued “threat to Australian interests in Bangladesh.” The ICC said it respected Australia’s decision, though it was disappointed. Ireland took Australia’s place in the tournament. 2025 Champions Trophy: India decline to tour Pakistan The 2025 Champions Trophy was set to be Pakistan’s first ICC event in 29 years after being confirmed as hosts in November 2021. Uncertainty persisted over India’s participation, given the strained relations between the two countries and India’s last tour of Pakistan dating back to 2008. Read More: BCB rejects ICC’s plea to reconsider India tour to play T20 World Cup Although Pakistan travelled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, India eventually announced it would not visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, citing a lack of government clearance. After prolonged discussions, a compromise for the 2024–2027 ICC cycle was agreed: matches between India and Pakistan in tournaments hosted by either country would be held at neutral venues. Consequently, India played their 2025 Champions Trophy matches in Dubai and went on to win the tournament. With input from ESPNcricinfo

The uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 has deepened after a high-stakes video conference between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) ended without a breakthrough on Tuesday (January 13, 2026). Despite the global body’s request to reconsider the boycott, the BCB remained firm in its decision not to travel to India, citing unresolved security concerns. In the meeting held this afternoon, a BCB delegation led by President Aminul Islam and Chief Executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury reiterated the board’s demand to relocate their matches to a neutral venue. The ICC, however, highlighted the logistical rigidity of the tournament, noting that the itinerary has already been announced and urging the board to soften its stance. BCB to continue ‘constructive engagement’ with ICC for T20 World Cup solution “The Board’s position remains unchanged,” the BCB confirmed in a media release following the discussion. “The BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India... (and) reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh's matches outside India.” This diplomatic deadlock comes just a day after Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul publicly slammed the ICC for what he termed an “absurd” security assessment. Nazrul revealed that the ICC had identified pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion in the squad as a potential security risk—a claim stemming from the recent controversy where the Kolkata Knight Riders were allegedly forced to release the bowler due to “anti-Bangladesh” sentiment in India. ICC to BCB: Play in India or forfeit points While the ICC pressed for adherence to the schedule, the BCB emphasised that the safety of its players and staff remains paramount. Both parties agreed to continue discussions to find a “possible solution,” but with the board unwilling to compromise on its security demands and the ICC reluctant to alter the fixture list, the fate of Bangladesh’s World Cup campaign hangs in the balance.

Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup hit fresh controversy on Monday after Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said the International Cricket Council (ICC) had formally flagged pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a potential security risk. Speaking at a press conference at the Bangladesh Football Federation, Asif Nazrul disclosed that the global body’s security department sent a letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) citing three specific factors that would heighten risks for the team in India. ICC may reject Sri Lanka move, will offer Bangladesh southern India venues instead According to the Sports Adviser, the ICC said the presence of Mustafizur in the squad, Bangladeshi supporters wearing national jerseys in public, and the proximity of Bangladesh's upcoming national elections are the security risk for the Bangladesh team.   Asif Nazrul vehemently rejected the ICC’s assessment, labeling the observations as ‘bizarre’ and ‘illogical’.  He argued that expecting a nation to drop its best bowler, forbid fans from wearing team colors, or alter an election schedule for a cricket tournament is completely unrealistic. Bangladesh standoff a litmus test' for ICC chair Jay Shah, reports NDTV According to the Adviser, the letter itself serves as undeniable proof that the environment in India is currently hostile and unsafe for Bangladeshi cricketers. He pointed to a 16-month-long ‘anti-Bangladesh campaign’ and the prevailing ‘radical communal situation’ in India as the root causes of the tension. The Adviser criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for allegedly bowing to “radical communal forces” by forcing the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafiz, a move he described as evidence that no part of India is currently safe for the team. BCB to continue ‘constructive engagement’ with ICC for T20 World Cup solution Addressing potential solutions, Adviser Nazrul welcomed recent reports suggesting Pakistan as an alternative host, stating that playing in Pakistan or the UAE would be acceptable, provided the matches are moved out of India. He sharply rebuked the governance of cricket, asserting that no single country should hold a monopoly over the sport and that if the ICC is truly a global organisation, it must grant Bangladesh the opportunity to play in a neutral venue like Sri Lanka.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is poised to formally respond to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) between Monday and Tuesday regarding the ongoing World Cup venue standoff. However, reports indicate the global body is unlikely to accept Dhaka’s demand to move their matches to Sri Lanka. Instead, the ICC is expected to propose shifting the games to Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram as a compromise. The BCB had officially requested the transfer out of India citing "security concerns," a move triggered by the controversial release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad. Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play their group-stage fixtures in Kolkata and Mumbai—hubs that the board now views as politically sensitive. Read More: ICC to BCB: Play in India or forfeit points This proposed solution faces immediate hurdles. BCB President Aminul Islam has previously signaled that shifting to Chennai may still be unacceptable to the Bangladesh government, which is reportedly waiting for direct communication from the Indian government regarding security assurances. To counter the “unsafe environment” narrative, the ICC is expected to highlight the presence of Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat, who successfully officiated the India vs. New Zealand ODI in Vadodara on Sunday without incident. The governing body is likely to use his participation as evidence that Bangladeshi representatives can travel and work safely in India. With less than four weeks remaining before teams arrive for the tournament, the ICC is pressing for a swift resolution to the current deadlock.

While the Bangladesh cricket team refuses to set foot in India due to security concerns, a lone Bangladeshi official is currently at the center of the action on Indian soil. Sharfuddoula, the first Bangladeshi umpire on the ICC Elite Panel, officiated as the TV umpire during the first ODI between India and New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially informed the ICC that the national team will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing “growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent”. This boycott follows the diplomatic fallout triggered by the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) removal of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad—a move that led the Bangladesh government to ban IPL broadcasts for the first time since the league's inception in 2008. Despite the hostile political climate, Sharfuddoula’s appointment proceeded under standard ICC regulations. According to Clause 2.1.4, the ICC appoints one neutral umpire for ODIs from the Elite or International Panel. Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula officiating in the Ashes  Since Sharfuddoula is neither Indian nor Kiwi, his role as a neutral official remains valid, even as his home board demands “man-to-man” security guarantees for its players.