"The whole of Bangladesh is uncertain."
Uncertainty continues to surround Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following a decisive ruling by cricket’s global body.
The International Cricket Council’s Dispute Resolution Committee has refused to hear Bangladesh’s appeal regarding match venues in India.
This decision effectively upholds the earlier verdict by the ICC Board of Directors to keep Bangladesh’s group matches scheduled in India.
Officials confirmed the committee lacks jurisdiction to review or overturn decisions already taken by the ICC Board.
According to ICC sources, the Dispute Resolution Committee is not an appellate forum under its defined terms.
An ICC statement clarified that there were no independent security findings indicating risks compromising the Bangladesh team’s safety.
The statement said, in the absence of such findings, the governing body would not consider relocating the fixtures.
Bangladesh Cricket Board officials had approached the committee as a final attempt to reverse the board’s decision.
That effort followed an overwhelming fourteen-to-two vote by ICC directors supporting India as the match venue.
The decision was based on a security assessment that reportedly classified potential risks as low to moderate.
Despite the assessment, Bangladesh’s interim government has reiterated that it will not permit the team to travel.
Youth and sports adviser Asif Nazrul publicly stated that security concerns remain paramount for the government.
Bangladeshi officials have maintained that the final authority rests with the state rather than the cricket board.
Tensions escalated earlier in January 2026 after Mustafizur Rahman was released from his IPL contract unexpectedly.
The fast bowler’s exit from Kolkata Knight Riders intensified political and sporting friction between the neighbouring countries.
With the tournament scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026, contingency plans are now being actively considered.
The situation threatens to disrupt tournament preparations just weeks before the opening match is due.
ICC officials confirmed Scotland has been placed on standby as a replacement should Bangladesh withdraw entirely.
Scotland currently ranks highest among teams outside the original qualification positions for the global event.
Sources indicated that a formal announcement regarding Bangladesh’s status could arrive within the coming days.
ICC chairman Jay Shah is presently in Dubai, holding consultations.
Bangladesh captain Litton Das admitted confusion when asked about the team’s participation.
Das said: “From where I stand, I’m uncertain, everyone is uncertain. I think at this moment, the whole of Bangladesh is uncertain.”
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