The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday (January 8, 2026) formally sent a second communication to the ICC, explaining the specific security concerns about travelling to India for the T20 World Cup while reiterating its demand for a change of venue to Sri Lanka.

The World Cup gets underway on February 7 and Bangladesh are scheduled to play four games (three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai).

They have refused to travel to India after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from the IPL on instructions of the BCCI, which cited unspecified “developments all around” to justify the decision.

“Following discussions with Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul, the BCB has once again sent a communication to the ICC. The ICC wanted to know areas of concern with regards to security and BCB has cited them,” a source close to the cricket board told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

However, he did not elaborate on the specifics of the letter.

The development comes amid sustained back-and-forth between the BCB and the ICC over Bangladesh’s participation. The global body has maintained a stoic silence so far and has sought clarity on the exact nature of the security apprehensions being flagged by the Dhaka-based board.

It is understood that the BCB itself is divided on the issue.

While one section of the board is backing Nazrul’s hardline stance on the matter, another group is in favour of keeping channels of discussion open with the ICC and Indian authorities.

They are stressing on the need for enhanced and foolproof security arrangements for the entire Bangladesh team during its stay in India.

Nazrul, who has been vocal in his criticism of India in the past, is learnt to have pushed a more uncompromising line, a marked departure from the BCB’s traditionally cordial working relationship with the BCCI.

Mustafizur’s release followed incidents involving attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.

As of now, the ICC hasn’t given any indication that it would shift Bangladesh’s venues from Kolkata and Mumbai to Colombo.

The BCB has, however, asserted that the ICC has shown willingness to work with it in assessing the security concerns.

The impasse between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over Bangladesh’s participation in next month’s Men’s T20 World Cup in India is likely to be resolved before the weekend.

On Wednesday (January 7, 2026), the BCB stated that the ICC has responded favourably to its request to relocate Bangladesh’s matches outside India.

“The BCB has received response from the ICC regarding the Board’s expressed concerns over the safety and security of the Bangladesh national cricket team in India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, including the request for relocation of the team’s matches,” the BCB said in a statement.

“In its communication, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament. The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the Board’s inputs will be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event,” the statement said.

The Hindu understands that senior ICC officials and top executives held a conference call with BCB representatives on Tuesday (January 6) to discuss the board’s communication over the weekend, in which it expressed its inability to travel to India, citing safety concerns.

The BCB’s stance came a day after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked Kolkata Knight Riders to withdraw Mustafizur Rahman — the only Bangladeshi cricketer signed for IPL 2026 — from the Indian Premier League.

The BCB also denied media reports suggesting that the ICC had issued an ultimatum regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the event. However, The Hindu understands that ICC officials conveyed during discussions that altering the tournament schedule would be nearly impossible at this stage. Instead, a comprehensive review of security and logistical arrangements could be offered to address the BCB’s concerns.

It is understood that a final resolution is expected to be reached on or before Sunday (January 11).

“The BCB remains firmly committed to placing the highest priority on the safety, security and well-being of the Bangladesh national cricket team. The Board will continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant event authorities in a cooperative and professional manner to arrive at an affable and practical solution that ensures the smooth and successful participation of the team in the T20 World Cup,” the statement added.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Bangladesh is slated to play three league-stage matches in Kolkata, followed by its final league fixture in Mumbai. Should it qualify for the Super Eights, the team will play three additional matches.

The impasse between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over Bangladesh’s participation in next month’s Men’s T20 World Cup in India is likely to be resolved before the weekend.

On Wednesday (January 7, 2026), the BCB stated that the ICC has responded favourably to its request to relocate Bangladesh’s matches outside India.

“The BCB has received response from the ICC regarding the Board’s expressed concerns over the safety and security of the Bangladesh national cricket team in India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, including the request for relocation of the team’s matches,” the BCB said in a statement.

“In its communication, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament. The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the Board’s inputs will be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event,” the statement said.

The Hindu understands that senior ICC officials and top executives held a conference call with BCB representatives on Tuesday (January 6) to discuss the board’s communication over the weekend, in which it expressed its inability to travel to India, citing safety concerns.

The BCB’s stance came a day after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked Kolkata Knight Riders to withdraw Mustafizur Rahman — the only Bangladeshi cricketer signed for IPL 2026 — from the Indian Premier League.

The BCB also denied media reports suggesting that the ICC had issued an ultimatum regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the event. However, The Hindu understands that ICC officials conveyed during discussions that altering the tournament schedule would be nearly impossible at this stage. Instead, a comprehensive review of security and logistical arrangements could be offered to address the BCB’s concerns.

It is understood that a final resolution is expected to be reached on or before Sunday (January 11).

“The BCB remains firmly committed to placing the highest priority on the safety, security and well-being of the Bangladesh national cricket team. The Board will continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant event authorities in a cooperative and professional manner to arrive at an affable and practical solution that ensures the smooth and successful participation of the team in the T20 World Cup,” the statement added.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Bangladesh is slated to play three league-stage matches in Kolkata, followed by its final league fixture in Mumbai. Should it qualify for the Super Eights, the team will play three additional matches.