T20 WC 2026: ICC again gives ultimatum to Bangladesh, take decision in a day on ‘Play in India or be out’

New Delhi. The ICC Board met today to discuss the controversy before the start of the T20 World Cup 2026. In this, an ultimatum has been given to Bangladesh. He has been given an ultimatum to play in India or be out on the basis of majority.

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According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the ICC has asked the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to tell the Bangladesh government that if Bangladesh continues to refuse to go to India to play its matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup, then another team will be included in the tournament in its place. This decision was taken after voting, in which most of the ICC Board members were in favor of replacement. The BCB has been given one more day to respond to the ICC on its stance on playing in India.

The controversy started after Mumbai Indians released Bangladesh star pacer Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026. After this, new voices emerged in Bangladesh regarding security and team environment. Bangladesh Cricket Board expressed security concerns over the trip to India and said that the team should play in Sri Lanka. Their demand was that Bangladesh should be removed from Group C and sent to Group B, because the Group B matches were being played in Sri Lanka.

In the current schedule, Bangladesh will play its league matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. Bangladesh team’s first match will be against West Indies in Kolkata on 7th February. After this the team will play two more group matches in Kolkata and the final match will be in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, statements of board officials also proved to add fuel to the controversy. Nazrul Islam surrounded his own players on this matter, due to which the players there got angry and started a rebellion against their own board.

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However, the matter calmed down somewhat after BCB’s intervention and Nazrul’s resignation from one of the posts. However, BCB’s stubbornness did not go away and it is still adamant on its demand. As a result, speculations intensified in the media.

Is Scotland ready to back up? What does the BBC report say?

Reports emerged that if Bangladesh does not participate, Scotland may get a chance at the World Cup, but according to the BBC report, the ICC has not yet held any official talks on the matter and Cricket Scotland has also confirmed that there have been no discussions with the ICC. This is not the first time that such an option is being seen. In 2009, when Zimbabwe decided to withdraw from the T20 World Cup held in England, Scotland was included. If Bangladesh refuses to go to India till the last minute, then Scotland will be included on the basis of ranking in its place. ICC is currently waiting for the final decision of Bangladesh Cricket Board.