Bangladesh Withdraws from T20 World Cup 2026 After Venue Dispute

Bangladesh has been officially ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following a prolonged standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the location of their group-stage fixtures. The decision, confirmed after weeks of negotiations, marks one of the most significant withdrawals in recent ICC tournament history and has prompted Scotland’s elevation into the main draw.

A Breakdown in Negotiations

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had requested that all of its scheduled matches—originally set to be played in India—be relocated to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns amid rising political tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi. The ICC, however, rejected the request after conducting multiple independent security assessments, all of which concluded that there was “no credible or verifiable threat” to the Bangladesh team, officials, or supporters.

Over a period of more than three weeks, ICC officials engaged in repeated dialogue with the BCB, offering detailed security plans and assurances from both federal and state authorities in India. Despite these efforts, the BCB maintained its refusal to travel, linking its concerns in part to the abrupt removal of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL), a move widely interpreted as a reflection of strained bilateral relations.

ICC’s Final Decision

With no agreement reached, the ICC issued a 24-hour deadline for Bangladesh to confirm participation under the published schedule. When no confirmation was received, the governing body proceeded with its established protocols and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, who were next in line based on ICC rankings.

Scotland will now join Group C alongside England, the West Indies, Italy, and Nepal. The team inherits Bangladesh’s fixtures, including the opening match against the West Indies on 7 February at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Regional and Political Reactions

The decision has sparked strong reactions across the cricketing world. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi publicly criticized the ICC’s handling of the situation, calling it “unfair” to Bangladesh and suggesting that Pakistan may also reconsider its participation depending on government direction. His remarks underscored broader concerns about perceived inconsistencies in ICC decision-making and the influence of geopolitical tensions on cricket administration.

Implications for Bangladesh Cricket

Bangladesh’s withdrawal carries significant sporting and financial consequences. Players lose the opportunity to compete on the world stage, while the BCB faces reputational challenges and potential revenue losses. The board had attempted a last-minute appeal to the ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee, but the mechanism was deemed inapplicable in this context.

A Tournament Moving Forward

Despite the controversy, the ICC has emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the tournament schedule and ensuring fairness for all participating teams. With the event set to begin on 7 February across India and Sri Lanka, preparations continue as the cricketing world shifts its focus to the competition ahead—albeit without one of its major Asian contenders.