Bangladesh stay firm in their stand not to play T20 World Cup matches in India

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reiterated its decision not to travel to India for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, citing security concerns, following a video conference with the International Cricket Council (ICC) held on Tuesday.

The meeting focused on Bangladesh's participation in the global tournament, with the BCB once again requesting that its matches be relocated outside India. While the ICC pointed out that the tournament schedule has already been finalised and urged the BCB to reconsider its position, the Bangladesh cricket board remained firm. Both sides agreed to continue discussions to find a possible resolution.

Bangladesh requested that the ICC shift its World Cup venue from India after the Board of Control for Cricket in India instructed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from its squad for this year's tournament.

"A video conference between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) was held this afternoon to discuss the participation of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026," the BCB said in a statement.

The BCB was represented in the meeting by President Md Aminul Islam, Vice Presidents Md Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Director and Chairman of the Cricket Operations Committee Nazmul Abedeen, and Chief Executive Officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.

"During the discussions, the BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns. The Board also reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh's matches outside India."

The ICC, however, emphasised the logistical challenges involved. "While the ICC highlighted that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested the BCB to reconsider its stance, the Board's position remains unchanged. Both parties agreed that discussions will continue to explore possible solutions."

Reaffirming its priorities, the BCB stressed that player and staff safety remains paramount. "The BCB remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of its players, officials and staff while engaging constructively with the ICC to address the matter."

Further talks between the two bodies are expected as the ICC seeks to resolve the impasse ahead of the 2026 showpiece event. With the World Cup just a few weeks away, it seems very unlikely that there will be any schedule changes. However, the ICC is expected to take a final call on the matter soon.

Four Pakistani-origin US cricketers denied visa

Four Pakistani-origin cricketers, who were picked to be part of the United States team, have been denied visas to visit India, which now threatens their participation in next month's Twenty20 World Cup, a news report claimed on Tuesday.

One of the players told Telecom Asia Sport that he, along with three others, has been denied visas to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

"Yes, it is true that three Pakistani-origin players are denied an Indian visa, which means we are unable to feature in the Twenty20 World Cup," pacer Ali Khan told (www.telecomasia.net) in a video message.

The other three players named in the 20-man USA squad for the T20 World Cup are Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, and Ehsan Adil, the report claimed.

According to the report, all three were born in Pakistan but are now US citizens. Under India's visa rules, all Pakistan-born people have to apply for a visa using their passport from their country of birth.

The issue means eight countries will be affected by this problem, besides the USA, players from the UAE, Oman, Nepal, Canada, England, Zimbabwe, and the Netherlands have players of Pakistani origin.

Adil was born in Sheikhupura and played three Tests and six ODIs for Pakistan between 2013 and 2015. He migrated to the USA four years ago and plays for Kingsmen USA. Khan was born in Attock in Punjab, Shayan in Karachi, and Mohsin in Mingora in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The report also claimed that the issue has haunted Pakistani-origin players in the past, too, with Zulfiqar brothers - Sikander and Saqib - denied a visa in 2019, while another player, Shiraz Ahmed's visa delayed for the 2023 World Cup. Australia's opener Usman Khawaja (2017) and England spinners — Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Basheer (2024) — have also faced visa problems in the past.

Agencies