conflict between Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and ICC has reached a critical breaking point T20 World Cup 2026. After a high-level meeting in Dhaka on January 22, the Bangladesh government and BCB doubled down on their refusal to visit India.
BCB president Aminul Islam Officially accused the ICC of maintaining “double standards” by favoring certain nationalities while ignoring the security concerns of Bangladesh. Despite the ICC ultimatum, Bangladesh remains steadfast in its demand to play its group games in Sri Lanka and not on Indian grounds. The ICC has now threatened to change the team entirely The main substitute is Scotland. The conflict marks one of the most significant administrative crises in the history of the T20 World Cup.
Bangladesh has been accused of double standards and institutional favoritism
BCB president Aminul accused the ICC of virtual hypocrisy, pointing to the governing body’s acceptance of India’s demand to fulfill its duties. Champions Cup 2025 meets in UAE instead of Pakistan. Aminul argued that if India was given the ‘privilege’ of playing at a neutral ground like Dubai to cover security concerns, Bangladesh should be given the same right for the upcoming World Cup. He noted that BCM had attempted to cite historical confiscations in 1996 and 2003 to put pressure on BCB, but it countered by pointing to the most recent precedent of the “Hybrid Model” used just a year earlier. To BCB, refusal to carry matches Sri Lanka This is a clear indication that the ICC does not apply its rules and flexibility equally across all member states.
“The ICC tried to explain to us what happened in 1996 and 2003, but we noted their recent steps in a similar matter. Last February, when a country refused to travel to another country for the Champions Trophy, the ICC arranged a neutral venue for them. The team played all their Champions Trophy matches at that neutral venue. They played in the same place, stayed in the same hotel. It was a privilege. Aminul reported this with reference to ESPNCricinfo.
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The hybrid model is deadlocked and the Sri Lankan variant
The BCB’s main demand was for the ICC to adopt a hybrid model or change the squads so that Bangladesh could be based entirely in Sri Lanka. Aminul clarified that while Sri Lanka are co-hosts, they are currently operating as “limited partners” in the schedule. He stressed that the Bangladesh government was extremely reluctant to allow the team to step up to India after rising tensions and the controversial removal of the pacer. Mustafizur Rahman from IPL. Despite these pleas, the ICC Board overwhelmingly rejected the request, saying that changing the schedule so close to the February 7 kick-off date would jeopardize the “sanctity of future events”. But Aminul is defiant, saying Bangladesh are ready to play not in what they consider a dangerous ground.
“We are calling on Sri Lanka to co-host, but they are not co-hosts. Sri Lanka is part of a hybrid model for a country to play. We told the ICC that as our government is reluctant (to allow us to play in India), we want to take that option. Again, they rejected our request. We will contact the ICC today. We are ready to play the World Cup in Sri Lanka. We don’t want to play in India.” Aminul added.
BCB Openly Protests ICC’s 24 Hour Ultimatum For T20 World Cup 2026
The prospect of Bangladesh replacing Scotland has become a reality as the ICC’s 24-hour deadline to change its position has passed. Aminul Islam slammed the ICC for using “deadline tactics” against a cricket-loving nation of 200 million, warning that excluding Bangladesh would be disastrous for the global game. He questioned the ICC’s commitment to developing the sport, especially with cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics. The BCB chief insists the board will not give up on playing the World Cup but will continue to fight for a neutral venue and the global body cannot force the team into what they consider a high-risk situation.
“We are proud of Bangladesh cricket, but we doubt world cricket. When cricket’s popularity declines, ICC denies cricket-loving country of 200 million people. Cricket is going to Olympics in 2028. India is bidding for Olympics and Commonwealth Games, but if such a country (Bangladesh) does not go to World Cup, it will be their failure. A global organization cannot give 24 hours. We will continue our fight.” Aminul concluded.
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