BCB says ICC reply received on security concerns, denies reports of ultimatum

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said on Wednesday that it has received a response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding its concerns over the safety and security of the national team for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India, and that discussions between the two bodies are continuing.

BCB had earlier written to the ICC raising concerns over the safety of players, team officials and other stakeholders, and requesting that Bangladesh’s matches be relocated from India. The board said the matter remains under discussion and that no final position has yet been communicated by the world body.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the BCB said the ICC had reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Bangladesh’s full and uninterrupted participation in the tournament and had expressed willingness to work closely with the board to address the concerns raised.

ICC had also assured that the BCB’s inputs would be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event, the board said.

BCB also rejected reports published in parts of the media suggesting that it had been issued an ultimatum over its request.

“The BCB categorically states that such claims are completely false, unfounded and do not reflect the nature or content of the communication received from the ICC,” the statement said.

The board said it would continue to engage with the ICC and relevant event authorities in what it described as a cooperative and professional manner to arrive at a practical solution that would ensure Bangladesh’s smooth participation in the tournament.

It added that the safety, security and well-being of the Bangladesh national team would remain its highest priority as preparations for the global event continued.

The ICC has not yet commented publicly on the matter.