T20 World Cup row: BCB denies January 21 ICC deadline, reiterates demand for alternative venue

BCB denies January 21 ICC deadline

NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh Cricket Board has denied reports that the ICC set a January 21 deadline for a decision on the T20 World Cup. The board says no such date was communicated. It has again asked for its matches to be moved to another venue. BCB director Amzad Hossain explained what happened in the last meeting with the ICC.

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"Last Saturday, January 17, an ICC representative came. A meeting was held with a delegation from our Cricket Board. There, we clearly conveyed our position regarding the World Cup participation and informed them that we are unable to play at the specified venue, and we requested an alternative venue. A detailed discussion took place with their representative. At that time, they told us that they would inform the ICC about these matters and later communicate the decision to us. However, they did not mention any specific date or timeline for when they would inform us—only that they would let us know the next date. Thank you," he said. Earlier media reports claimed the ICC had told Bangladesh to decide by January 21 or face removal from the tournament. Some reports also said Bangladesh could be replaced if it refused to travel to India. An ICC source was quoted as saying by news agency PTI, "The BCB officials have been told to decide on the participation by January 21. If they refuse to travel to India, then they should be ready to be replaced by another team as per rankings." The dispute has continued for weeks. No solution has been found so far. The issue started after Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the 2026 IPL. The decision came from the BCCI. The reason given was unspecified “developments all around.” The BCB says its team will not travel to India. It has cited security concerns and national pride. Bangladesh are scheduled to play group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. The ICC is reluctant to move those games. The schedule is already finalised. Sri Lanka is co-hosting the tournament. It will also host the India–Pakistan match under an agreement that runs until 2027. Bangladesh have suggested alternatives. They want a venue change or a group change. They are currently in Group C with West Indies, Italy, England and Nepal. The BCB has proposed swapping groups with Ireland in Group B. That group plays in Sri Lanka. After talks in Dhaka, the BCB said, "...the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group as a means of facilitating the matter with minimum logistical adjustments was discussed." The ICC’s risk report does not list any direct threat in India. Political ties between India and Bangladesh have worsened. Senior Bangladesh players have urged caution. Tamim Iqbal warned today’s decisions could affect the next 10 years.

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