The issue came to a head during an emergency ICC board meeting held virtually on Wednesday, January 21. Of the 16 members present, only two supported Bangladesh’s appeal — Bangladesh itself and Pakistan. The rest of the board voted decisively against relocation, underlining just how isolated the BCB’s position had become within global cricket governance.
Following the vote, the ICC issued what amounts to a final ultimatum: Bangladesh have 24 hours to confirm their participation in the tournament in India, scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8. Failure to do so will see them replaced, with Scotland widely expected to step in and take their place in Group C.
Security concerns dismissed
At the heart of the standoff lies Bangladesh’s insistence that their players’ safety could be compromised in India. The ICC, however, was unequivocal in its assessment. After reviewing multiple security evaluations — including independent audits and venue-specific plans — the board concluded there was no credible threat to Bangladeshi players, officials, media, or supporters at any of the host venues.In a statement released after the meeting, International Cricket Council reiterated its stance, noting that all available evidence pointed to a safe and secure environment across the tournament cities.
The ICC also pushed back strongly against the BCB’s attempt to link the situation to Mustafizur Rahman’s non-participation in the IPL. According to an ICC spokesperson, that issue was “isolated and unrelated” and had no bearing on tournament security or Bangladesh’s obligations as a participating nation.
Diplomatic support falls flat
In the days leading up to the meeting, the Pakistan Cricket Board had thrown its weight behind Bangladesh, formally backing the relocation request. But the show of solidarity failed to sway the wider board, and Pakistan’s intervention ultimately changed nothing.The BCB had also floated an alternative proposal — swapping groups with Ireland, whose matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka. That idea was quickly shut down. Cricket Ireland had already received assurances that their fixtures would remain unchanged, a point that was reinforced during the ICC meeting.
A tight timeline and looming replacement
As things stand, Bangladesh are scheduled to play three of their four group matches in Kolkata — against West Indies, Italy, and England on February 7, 9, and 14 — before travelling to Mumbai to face Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium on February 17.Now, the Bangladesh Cricket Board must return to its government for a final decision, knowing that the clock is ticking. The ICC has made it clear that it will not adjust its plans at the eleventh hour, and contingency arrangements are already in place should Bangladesh pull out.
What was once a logistical dispute has escalated into a defining moment for Bangladesh cricket. Whether they choose to comply or walk away, the consequences will echo well beyond this tournament — shaping relationships, perceptions, and their standing within the international cricketing community.