The India-Bangladesh rivalry continues to strengthen in cricket. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday (January 13) has maintained its stance of not travelling to India for T20 World Cup 2026. The reaction comes a day after the International Cricket Council's official statement which denied BCB's claims of security threats in India.
The World Cup controversy started on January 4 when the BCB stated that the Bangladesh team wouldn't travel to India for the tournament, citing security as a big reason behind their stance. This, of course, was just the official cover as the stance seemed an organic reaction to the BCCI's ouster of Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026 on January 3. The deadlock continues and shows no signs of a resolution just yet.
"We are firm in the position we have taken (regarding venue relocation). We will not change our stance even by an inch. We are not going to India," said BCB Vice-President Shakhawat Hossain in a chat with the media.
"We have stated our position and they are looking for alternatives. The path for discussion is still open."
There were speculations that the ICC might partially relent and move Bangladesh's games out of Kolkata which is hosting three league games for the Asian side. Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram were considered to be the alternate options. However, the ICC denied these rumours and the BCB also stated that a venue change for them would only be considered out of India and not within the country.
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BCB's request is to move the matches to Sri Lanka who are the other hosts for T20 World Cup 2026. As of now, only Pakistan's matches are guaranteed to be held in the island nation. Shifting all four of Bangladesh's league games at such short notice is going to be a logistical nightmare. However, the BCB is optimistic of getting things done their way, as improbable as it looks at this point.
"Of course, we are in a positive position. There isn't much time, so we will see. Some arrangements will be made quickly. Since the dialogue has started, let's see what happens. But we are firm in our position," he said, adding that both parties are aware time is running out.
"Yes, the time is short. They know that too. Arrangements will be made very soon. I can't say anything more apart from the dialogue is open."
