You’ll miss hundred percent of your chances if don’t take them. That is what the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is thinking right now as they formally send a second letter to the ICC on Thursday. This time, detailing its security concerns about travelling to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup and reiterating its demand that Bangladesh’s matches be shifted to Sri Lanka. With the tournament set to begin on February 7 and Bangladesh scheduled to play four group games in India, three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
This latest communication follows days of back-and-forth between the BCB and the ICC, triggered by the controversial release of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL on instructions from the BCCI, citing vague ” recent developments all around.” That decision sparked unease within Bangladesh’s cricketing establishment and led the board to refuse travel to India, citing security concerns for players, staff and media personnel.
BCB vs ICC: 2nd letter sent over T20 World Cup venue shift
A senior source close to the BCB confirmed to PTI that the second letter was sent after discussions with sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul, with the ICC specifically seeking clarity on what the security risks were. While the exact contents of the letter remain confidential, it indicates that Bangladesh has now spelt out its concerns in detail. The ICC, for its part, has so far maintained public silence, even as it continues to ask for more information from Dhaka.
“Following discussions with Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul, the BCB has once again sent a communication to the ICC. The ICC wanted to know areas of concern with regards to security and BCB has cited them,” a source close to the cricket board told PTI.
Cracks within BCB?
Behind the scenes, the BCB itself appears split. One faction is firmly backing Nazrul’s hardline approach and views the issue as one of national dignity and safety. While another group is pushing for continued dialogue with both the ICC and Indian authorities. They want enhanced and foolproof security arrangements rather than a venue shift.
Earlier reports claiming that the ICC had issued Bangladesh an ultimatum to either travel to India or forfeit points were simply denied by the BCB, which insisted no such message had been conveyed. As of now, the ICC has given no indication that it is willing to move Bangladesh’s matches from Kolkata and Mumbai to Colombo. However, it has assured the BCB that their concerns will be taken seriously.
Bangladesh’s T20 WC 2026 schedule
| Date | Match No. | Teams | Venue | IST Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Feb 7, 2026 | 2nd Match | West Indies vs Bangladesh | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 3:00 PM |
| Mon, Feb 9, 2026 | 7th Match | Bangladesh vs Italy | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 11:00 AM |
| Sat, Feb 14, 2026 | 23rd Match | England vs Bangladesh | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 3:00 PM |
| Tue, Feb 17, 2026 | 33rd Match | Bangladesh vs Nepal | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
Cricket
BCCI meeting: No discussions about Bangladesh's venue change request for T20 World Cup to ICC
