\u201cThe Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today held a meeting with representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to discuss matters relating to Bangladesh\u2019s participation in the ICC Men\u2019s T20 World Cup 2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cDuring the discussions, the BCB reiterated its formal request to the ICC to relocate Bangladesh\u2019s matches to Sri Lanka. The Board also shared the Bangladesh Government\u2019s views and concerns on safety and security of the team, Bangladeshi fans, media and other stakeholders,\u201d said the BCB in a statement on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
BCB also said the possibility of having Bangladesh in a different group was also deliberated upon. Bangladesh's current itinerary of games goes as, facing West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, before taking on Nepal on February 17 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d added the BCB.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India and Sri Lanka are set to co-host the 2026 Men\u2019s T20 World Cup starting on February 7. But the BCB has been adamant in its league stage matches be shifted to Sri Lanka amid security concerns and growing tensions between Bangladesh and India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It came after Indian Premier League (IPL) three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were asked by the BCCI to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, the lone player from his country, for the 2026 season, amidst atrocities towards the minority Hindu community.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
BCB President Md Aminul Islam, Vice Presidents Md Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Cricket Operations Committee Chairman Nazmul Abedeen and Chief Executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury represented the board in its meeting with ICC.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It came after Indian Premier League (IPL) three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were asked by the BCCI to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, the lone player from his country, for the 2026 season, amidst atrocities towards the minority Hindu community.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cGaurav 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 BCB and the ICC have agreed to continue engaging in constructive dialogue on this matter,\u201d added the BCB.<\/p>\r\n\r\n