The first attempt made by the ICC to get the Bangladesh refusal to play T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India on an agreeable path has begun terribly. An administrator of the ICC, who had Indian origins and was to be a part of the delegation to Dhaka, failed to secure a Bangladeshi visa. Thus, only Andrew Ephgrave, ICC's Head of Anti-Corruption and Security, went alone for crucial meetings.
The incident with the visa has only strengthened the unfriendly situation with less than a month to go until the World Cup.
Bangladesh Stands Firm on the India Boycott
Bangladesh has made its stand clear that it will not travel to India for its four group matches scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai. Backed by government support, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has expressed various security concerns and insists the team must play all matches in Sri Lanka, which is a co-host of the tournament.
Despite repeated assurances made by the ICC and the BCCI, Bangladesh is still not convinced and is still pursuing a change of venue.
Ephgrave Carries Burden Alone
Now that other ICC delegates are not here, only Ephgrave is handling these sensitive negotiations. Reports by Bdnews24 say that he is expected to present a comprehensive security plan to the BCB and officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The ICC does not perceive any credible threat to Bangladeshi players in India and wishes to convince them that the fulfillment of relevant protection will be guaranteed throughout their stay.
Quiet Talks on Alternate Venue
Quietly, other options are being considered behind the scenes by the ICC and the BCCI. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and the Kerala Cricket Association were approached to host the matches of Bangladesh in Chennai or Thiruvananthapuram if needed. The associations have conveyed willingness, but no formal decision has been made.
However, any last-minute decision would immensely strain logistics and scheduling.
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ICC's Time Running Out
The World Cup is due to start on February 7, when Bangladesh is set to play West Indies in Eden Gardens. Hazardously approaching the match dates, the ICC is now pitched with pressure to find an arrangement that does not humiliate or disrupt.
An uncertain venue change might be at Banlgadesh's demand or it might just easy up on its demand; regardless, time is running and the tournament is fast losing cricket in focus.
Bangladesh Group Matches – T20 World Cup 2026
- Feb 7: West Indies vs Bangladesh – Kolkata
- Feb 9: Bangladesh vs Italy – Kolkata
- Feb 14: England vs Bangladesh – Kolkata
- Feb 17: Bangladesh vs Nepal – Mumbai
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