Bangladesh-India T20 World Cup crisis, live updates: BCB still awaiting ICC response, say sports adviser cited internal communication

As per ESPNCricinfo, a final call on whether Bangladesh will travel to India will be taken on January 21.

The report adds that if BCB decide against sending their team to India, the ICC may name a replacement, with Scotland likely to be picked based on current T20I rankings.

The BCB and ICC held a meeting on Saturday (January 17) to discuss a possible solution for their reluctance to travel to India for the T20 World Cup. But the two parties couldn't agree on terms.

An ICC representative from India, Gaurav Saxena, didn't receive his Bangladesh visa in time and thus couldn't attend the meeting in person.

A statement from the BCB read:

"During the discussions, the BCB reiterated its formal request to the ICC to relocate Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka. The Board also shared the Bangladesh government's views and concerns on safety and security of the team, Bangladeshi fans, media and other stakeholders.

"The discussions were conducted in a constructive, cordial and professional manner, with all parties engaging openly on the relevant issues. Among other points, the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group as a means of facilitating the matter with minimum logistical adjustments was discussed."

"The ICC delegation was represented by Gaurav Saxena, General Manager, Events and Corporate Communications, and Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager, Integrity Unit. Gaurav Saxena was unable to attend the meeting in person as his visa was received later than anticipated and therefore joined the discussions virtually. Andrew Ephgrave attended the meeting in person," the statement further read.

India U19 captain Ayush Mhatre and Bangladesh U19 vice-captain didn't shake hands after the toss ahead of their U19 World Cup game. The BCB released a statement following the incident, saying it was "completely unintentional".

Their statement read:

"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken note of an inadvertent and unwarranted action that occurred at the toss prior to the opening match of the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe & Namibia, between Bangladesh and India.

"Due to illness, regular captain Azizul Hakim was unable to attend the toss, and vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented the team on the occasion. The BCB wishes to clarify that the absence of a handshake with the opposition captain was completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration. There was no intent whatsoever to show discourtesy or disregard towards the opposition.

"The Board has viewed the matter with due seriousness, as upholding the spirit of cricket and respect for opponents is a fundamental prerequisite for representing Bangladesh at any level and immediately advised the team management accordingly. The players have also been reminded of their responsibility to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship, camaraderie and mutual respect in all interactions with opposing teams."

India ultimately won the rain-affected game by 18 runs (DLS method). The two teams, notably, shook hands after the match.

"The correspondence cited today by the Adviser for the Ministry of Youth & Sports was in reference to an internal communication between the BCB and the ICC's Security Department related to threat assessments for the Bangladesh team ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup," said a statement from the board.

The BCB clarified that they are still awaiting a response from the ICC, to their initial letter. 

The Bangladesh sports adviser was quoted as saying the following to reporters on Monday:

“One thing has happened in this, I need to inform you. That is, the security team of the ICC and those in charge of security have sent a letter. In that letter, it has been said that three things will increase the security threat to the Bangladesh team.

“One is if Mustafiz [Rahman] is included in the Bangladesh team. Two, if the supporters of the Bangladesh team walk around wearing the national jersey of Bangladesh. And the third is that the closer the election comes, the more the security threat for the Bangladesh team will increase.

“So, this statement of the ICC security team has proven beyond doubt that there is no situation for the Bangladesh cricket team to play the T20 World Cup in India. If the ICC expects us to make a cricket team without our best bowler, our supporters not being able to wear the Bangladesh jersey, and that we will postpone the Bangladesh elections to play cricket, there cannot be a more absurd, unrealistic, and unreasonable expectation than this."

Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has explained how the controversy surrounding their T20 World Cup participation is affecting the players.

"We haven't got a good result in any World Cup. We had a good opportunity last time [at the T20 World Cup in 2024], but we couldn't do it. But you will notice that before every World Cup, there's some incident that takes place," he said.

"As a player who has played one or two of these tournaments, I can tell you that it affects us. But we 'act' as if nothing affects us since we are professional cricketers. Even you know that it affects us. It is not easy. It is better if these things didn't happen. I think the players still try to keep all things aside to perform well.

"I would also add that this thing is beyond our control. Wherever we play the World Cup ultimately, I would think that the players have to act like nothing is bothering them, and they can do well for the team."

Aminul Islam Bulbul reiterated the board's stance on not playing in India, saying Bangladesh wish to play in Sri Lanka.

"We have been in communication with the ICC, and they have asked us to specify our issues. We are currently documenting those issues for them," he added.

The Bangladesh board says "The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the Board's inputs will be welcomed", and that they have not been told to play in India or forfeit points. 

According to multiple reports, the ICC has rejected the BCB's request to shift its T20 World Cup matches outside India. However, the reports claim that BCB hasn't confirmed any such ultimatum.

The decision was taken in the aftermath of Mustafizur's removal from the IPL

"India said that they are unable to provide security for one player, so how can they give security for the whole team? We had to take the decision considering not just the players and support staff".

The board has decided to not travel to India for the T20 World Cup, citing player safety

Mustafizur Rahman, the only Bangladesh player in IPL 2026, has been released by Kolkata Knight Riders after being instructed by the BCCI. Here's why.

The decision came through BCCI, who have instructed the team to remove the only Bangladesh player in the IPL from their squad

All the updates from the ongoing drama