Bangladesh Government Announces T20 World Cup 2026 Boycott Amid Venue Dispute. Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has entered a major crisis phase. The Bangladesh government has announced that the national team will boycott the tournament if concerns remain unresolved. The decision follows the Bangladesh Cricket Board formally requesting a venue change from India to Sri Lanka. BCB officials cited security and political concerns behind their demand for neutral venues.
ICC Rejects Venue Shift Request
The tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka this year. Bangladesh’s group-stage matches are currently allocated at Indian venues in Kolkata and Hyderabad. However, the International Cricket Council rejected Bangladesh’s request after a special board meeting. The ICC stated that independent security assessments found no credible threat in Indian venues.
The governing body also warned that schedule changes would disrupt tournament logistics and broadcasting commitments. As a result, the ICC asked Bangladesh to confirm participation within a strict deadline. The Bangladeshi government openly supported the BCB’s position after the rejection. Officials said players’ safety remains their top priority under current regional tensions.
BCB leaders stressed that players want to compete in the global event. However, they insisted that government clearance is mandatory for overseas participation. The ICC made it clear that refusal to travel could lead to Bangladesh’s replacement. Reports suggest Scotland is the leading candidate if a vacancy arises.
The situation has triggered reactions across international cricket boards. Some regional boards expressed concern over the growing uncertainty. Pakistan was initially reported to have shown diplomatic support to Bangladesh. However, Pakistan later clarified that it will not withdraw from the tournament.
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With weeks remaining before the opening match, uncertainty persists. Bangladesh must now choose between participation and a historic World Cup absence. The final decision from Dhaka is expected within the ICC’s deadline window. The outcome could significantly impact the tournament’s competitive balance and regional cricket relations.