Bangladesh Cricket Board Slams ICC Over Alleged Double Standards in T20 World Cup Venue Dispute
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has launched a scathing criticism against the International Cricket Council (ICC), accusing the global cricket governing body of applying double standards in its decision-making process. The controversy erupted after the ICC rejected Bangladesh's formal request to relocate its T20 World Cup matches away from India, while previously granting India permission to play the 2025 Champions Trophy at a neutral venue.
BCB President Questions ICC's Inconsistent Approach
Addressing journalists during a press conference in Dhaka on Thursday, BCB president Aminul Islam expressed deep disappointment with what he described as inconsistent treatment by the ICC. "The ICC has demonstrated flexibility in previous situations but has refused to extend the same courtesy to Bangladesh," Islam stated emphatically. His remarks followed a crucial meeting involving Bangladesh sports adviser Asif Nazrul, senior BCB officials, and national team players, convened after the board's decision to abstain from traveling to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Islam specifically highlighted the case of India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where the Indian team was permitted to play all their matches in Dubai under special arrangements. "When a country declined to travel to another nation for the Champions Trophy last February, the ICC facilitated a neutral venue for them," the BCB president recalled. "That team competed in all their Champions Trophy matches at that neutral location, playing at a single ground while staying in one hotel. This was clearly a privilege extended to them."
Bangladesh's Proposed Hybrid Model Rejected
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to commence on February 7, with India and Sri Lanka officially designated as co-hosts. However, Bangladesh had proposed an alternative arrangement through what they termed a hybrid model, requesting permission to play their matches exclusively in Sri Lanka rather than India.
"We recognize Sri Lanka as co-hosts, but they are not functioning as genuine co-hosts in this context," Islam explained. "Sri Lanka represents part of the hybrid model where one country would conduct its matches separately. We formally communicated to the ICC that since our government has expressed reluctance regarding travel to India, we wished to exercise this option. Despite our clear request, they denied it."
The BCB president confirmed that further communication with the ICC would occur immediately. "We will engage with the ICC today itself. Our position remains firm: we are prepared to participate in the World Cup matches in Sri Lanka. We do not wish to play in India under the current circumstances," he asserted.
Historical Precedent of Hybrid Models
The ICC has previously approved hybrid models for cricket tournaments involving India and Pakistan. Notably, Pakistan hosted the 2025 Champions Trophy while India played its matches in the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, Pakistan's women's team competed in their 2025 Women's ODI World Cup matches in Sri Lanka while India served as the primary host nation for the tournament.
Root Causes of the Current Standoff
The current impasse traces its origins to recent developments involving the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The Indian cricket board requested that Kolkata Knight Riders release Bangladeshi pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad, a decision made amid ongoing protests in India concerning attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh.
Following Rahman's release from the IPL franchise, the BCB cited legitimate safety concerns for its players and support staff as the primary reason for refusing to travel to India for the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh sports adviser Asif Nazrul clarified that this decision originated from government authorities and would not be reconsidered.
"Let me state this unequivocally: the government has decided against playing in India due to genuine security apprehensions," Nazrul declared on Thursday, emphasizing the official nature of the stance.
ICC's Official Position and Tournament Schedule
The International Cricket Council formally rejected the BCB's relocation request on Wednesday, maintaining the original tournament arrangements. According to the current schedule, Bangladesh is slated to begin its T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on February 7. Subsequent matches include:
- A February 9 encounter against Italy at the same Kolkata venue
- A crucial match against England in Kolkata
- A final group stage game against Nepal at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium following the England fixture
This developing situation highlights growing tensions in international cricket administration and raises significant questions about consistency in ICC decision-making regarding tournament venues and participant safety considerations.
