New Delhi: The Bangladesh Cricket Board has once again reiterated the fact that they would not play T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, ramping up uncertainty around the tournament and putting it on a collision course with the International Cricket Council. This development has just added another layer of complication to the preparation of one of the biggest global events in cricket.
Explaining Bangladesh’s ‘No India’ Position
The BCB officials said that their decision was a security and logistics-based verdict, reiterating that the safety of the players remains the board’s top priority. No new incidents were officially cited, but the board made it clear that its position has not changed despite the ongoing discussions.
Why This Puts Pressure on the ICC
“The ICC is the governing body of the tournament, and it is upon them to ensure smooth participation of all nations,” said the source. “If Bangladesh doesn’t want to play their matches against India, there are many other opponents willing to accept the invitation to board the ICC cricket bus,” said the source.
Effect of India’s Schedule on the T20 World Cup Plan
A prolonged deadlock may impact:
- Scheduling matches & logistics
- Radio and Commercial Agreements
- Fan Travel and Ticketing Plans
However, the organisers of the tournaments are very wary of any last-minute changes that may impact the operations of the tournaments and their image globally.
India’s Response and Broader Implications
The Indian cricket administration has yet to make official comments about the issue. It is believed that this matter might also be discussed through official cricketing and diplomatic channels. It is also believed that this situation might also impact bilateral cricketing between the two nations.
