No T20 World Cup ultimatum from ICC, says BCB

Bangladesh Cricket Board on Wednesday rejected claims that the International Cricket Council had given them an ultimatum to either play the T20 World Cup in India or forfeit points. The response came hours after certain sections of the media reported along those lines, following BCB sending a letter to the ICC requesting relocation of their matches at the showpiece event, citing security concerns.

BCB insisted that they have received a response and are now working on it. BCB directors will meet sports advisor Asif Nazrul in the evening on January 7.

"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has received response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the Board's expressed concerns over the safety and security of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team in India for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, including the request for relocation of the team's matches," BCB said in a statement.

"In its communication, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament. The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the Board's inputs will be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event," it said.

"The BCB has also taken note of certain reports published in a section of the media suggesting that the Board has been issued an ultimatum in this regard. The BCB categorically states that such claims are completely false, unfounded and do not reflect the nature or content of the communication received from the ICC," it said.

"The Bangladesh Cricket Board remains firmly committed to placing the highest priority on the safety, security and well-being of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team. The Board will continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant event authorities in a cooperative and professional manner to arrive at an affable and practical solution that ensures the smooth and successful participation of the team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026," it added.