Bangladesh has officially announced a boycott of the ICC T20 World Cup, citing security concerns as the reason for its decision.
According to Bangladeshi media, the national team will not travel to India to take part in the tournament. The decision followed consultations with players and was confirmed by Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser, Asif Nazarul Islam.
Speaking after the meeting, Islam said Bangladesh “cannot be forced to play in India,” adding that the government would not accept what it described as “unreasonable coercion.”
Bangladesh’s interim government has stated that the team is willing to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 only if its matches are moved to Sri Lanka, one of the tournament’s co-hosts. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has already rejected Bangladesh’s request to relocate its matches from India to Sri Lanka.
Earlier, the ICC had given Bangladesh a one-day deadline to confirm its participation before the boycott was announced.
ICC had stated that Bangladesh’s stance was influenced by “a single, isolated and unrelated development” and stated that it found no credible security threat to Bangladesh players, media personnel, or fans at any of the tournament venues in India.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Pakistan may also boycott the T20 World Cup if Bangladesh proceeds with its withdrawal. Sources say Pakistan could refuse to participate if the ICC does not agree to move Bangladesh’s matches away from India.