DHAKA: ICC Rejects Bangladesh’s Demand for Neutral Venues in T20 World Cup 2026; Issues Ultimatum amid Tensions
Dhaka: A cricket website has claimed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to play their T20 World Cup matches at neutral venues instead of India.
According to the report, citing ICC sources, a board meeting was held where members voted, with the majority agreeing that if Bangladesh persists, Scotland should be included as a replacement team in the event.
In the ICC’s declaration, it has been said that Bangladeshi team has no security risks in India.
However, the ICC has reportedly given the Bangladesh Cricket Board one day (until January 21, 2026) to reconsider.
The global cricket website states that the BCB has been granted this deadline to consult with their government and persuade it to allow the team to travel to India.
Per the report, if the BCB does not withdraw its demand, Bangladesh will be replaced by Scotland in the T20 World Cup.
This stance from the BCB follows heightened tensions between the two countries.
The demand arose after the killing of Osman bin Hadi (also known as Sharif Osman Hadi), a key student movement leader who played a major role in the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Unknown assailants shot him, and Bangladeshi public and media accused India’s intelligence agency RAW of involvement, claiming India was sheltering Sheikh Hasina.
The incident triggered violent anti-India protests in Bangladesh. In response, India alleged that several Hindus were killed during the unrest.
Hardline Hindu politicians in India issued serious threats and demanded the removal of the only Bangladeshi player in the IPL, Mustafizur Rahman, from the tournament.
Consequently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.
Citing this, the BCB argued that if India is unwilling to guarantee the security of even one Bangladeshi player, sending the entire national team to India for the World Cup cannot be considered safe.
