Bangladesh have made one final attempt to keep their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign alive. After flatly refusing to travel to India and accepting the possibility of missing the tournament altogether, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has now sought intervention from the ICC’s independent Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) in a last-ditch bid to force a rescheduling of their matches.
The move comes after the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift their fixtures from India to Sri Lanka, citing security clearances, host guarantees and the logistical impact on the tournament. As per the Times of India, rather than backing down, the BCB has chosen to challenge the decision through the ICC’s legal framework, hoping the matter will be assessed beyond “fairly”.
What does Dispute Resolution Committee mean for Bangladesh?
The ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee, or DRC, is an independent arbitration body made up of legal experts who adjudicate disputes related to ICC decisions, regulations and contractual obligations. Operating under English law and seated in London, the committee does not function like an appeals court. Instead, it examines whether the ICC has followed its own governance framework while making decisions. Its rulings are final and binding, with almost no scope for appeal.
By asking for the matter to be referred to the DRC, Bangladesh are effectively questioning whether the ICC was justified in outright rejecting their request without deeper consideration. Bangladesh have already conceded that ICC hasn’t done justice. Bangladesh have Pakistan’s support as well but they are stringent about not going to India despite having the risk of losing INR 240 crore. The loss would come through forfeited broadcast share, sponsorship money and tournament-linked income, making the decision one of the costliest in Bangladesh cricket history.
Bangladesh fans file petition to ICC
All the drama regarding Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 has now drawn into public response, with fans and media professionals stepping in to back the team’s stance. A petition in Bangladesh has urged the ICC to reconsider the venues for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches and explore neutral options. It has gathered momentum, crossing 38,000 verified signatures so far.
Those behind the petition argue that security in international sport cannot be judged purely on internal reports or assurances. It is not often that fans file a petition against ICC but the times are unprecedented. Bangladesh fear security concerns and have had their anti-India stance ever since Sheikh Hasina’s government was removed from power.
Bangladesh face rejection so far
The flashpoint that hardened Bangladesh’s position was the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from KKR’s roster due to security reasons. BCB president Aminul Islam has said the pacer was neither injured nor had his No Objection Certificate been withdrawn. The board claims it flagged the issue to the ICC earlier this month and proposed alternatives, including playing at neutral venues such as Sri Lanka, or even swapping groups with Ireland. But ICC has rejected all the pleas.
Bangladesh are currently scheduled to play their Group C matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, starting against the West Indies on February 7. If the DRC does not rule in Bangladesh’s favour, the country is set to be replaced by Scotland in the tournament.
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