The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken a firm stand ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, declaring that the national team will not play its matches in India due to security concerns. The decision comes after the International Cricket Council (ICC) declined Bangladesh’s request to shift its league-stage matches to Sri Lanka, a move the BCB says was essential to ensure player safety.

In a strongly worded statement, the BCB said the ICC had “not done justice” to Bangladesh by rejecting the venue change request. The board maintained that its security concerns were genuine and based on detailed assessments rather than what it described as “abstract analysis”. Despite the setback, Bangladesh has vowed to “keep fighting” to protect the interests of its players and officials.

The controversy adds a fresh layer of tension to the build-up for the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted in India later this year. Bangladesh had reportedly expressed reservations about playing in certain Indian venues amid heightened political sensitivities and regional instability. The BCB argued that Sri Lanka, which has previously hosted ICC events and bilateral series under tight security, would have been a neutral and viable alternative.

According to BCB officials, the request to shift matches was made well in advance, with detailed inputs shared with the ICC. “Our concern was not raised lightly. It was based on ground-level assessments and expert advice,” the board said, adding that the safety of players and support staff remains its top priority.

However, the ICC has stood by its original scheduling, asserting that comprehensive security arrangements will be in place across all host venues in India. Sources within the global governing body indicated that changing venues for one team could set a precedent and disrupt logistical planning for the tournament.

The BCB’s stance has sparked debate within the cricketing fraternity. While some experts believe Bangladesh’s concerns deserve serious consideration, others feel that the ICC’s assurance of security should be sufficient. Former players and analysts have pointed out that India has successfully hosted multiple international tournaments in recent years, often under challenging circumstances.

Despite the impasse, Bangladesh has not withdrawn from the tournament entirely. Instead, the board has reiterated its commitment to continue discussions with the ICC and explore possible solutions. “We are not backing down. We will keep fighting for what we believe is right for our team,” the BCB said.

The situation could have broader implications for the tournament, particularly if Bangladesh’s refusal leads to scheduling complications or diplomatic friction between cricket boards. Fans, meanwhile, are left uncertain about how the standoff will be resolved and whether a compromise can still be reached before the tournament begins.

As the countdown to the T20 World Cup continues, all eyes will be on the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board to see whether dialogue prevails or if the dispute escalates further. The outcome could influence not just Bangladesh’s campaign but also future discussions around security, venue allocation, and fairness in global cricket events.