An international cricket website has reported that the International Cricket Council may include another team in the T20 World Cup if Bangladesh refuses to travel to India for the tournament. The development has created uncertainty around the final list of participating teams ahead of the global event.
According to the report, a final decision regarding Bangladesh’s participation is expected on January 21. The ICC has reportedly communicated this deadline to the Bangladesh Cricket Board during recent discussions held in Dhaka, urging the board to clarify its position.
The report further claimed that the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to change groups in the tournament. Bangladesh had sought to swap groups with Ireland, which is currently placed in Group B, but the proposal was reportedly not accepted by the governing body.
ICC officials have assured Bangladesh that there are no security threats in India. Security advisories issued to all 20 participating teams state that no side faces any direct security risk while playing matches in the host country.
The ICC is now awaiting Bangladesh’s final response. If Bangladesh formally withdraws from the competition, the ICC may include another team based on international rankings. According to the report, Scotland is next in line under the current ICC rankings system.
Despite these assurances, Bangladesh is said to be firm on its decision not to travel to India. The BCB argues that the issue goes beyond routine security matters and is linked to broader diplomatic tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi, which have intensified in recent months.
The concerns reportedly escalated after Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in the Indian Premier League following alleged threats from extremist groups, raising alarms within Bangladesh cricket circles.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has expressed full support for Bangladesh’s stance. Government sources say the Bangladeshi government has contacted Pakistani authorities regarding the situation and shared its concerns over player safety and diplomatic pressures.
Sources further stated that Pakistan may review its own participation in the T20 World Cup if Bangladesh’s concerns are not addressed. Pakistani officials reportedly believe Bangladesh has reasonable grounds and that no country should be pressured or intimidated in international sports.
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