ICC Sets January 21 Deadline for Bangladesh's Participation in 2026 T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set a January 21 deadline for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to confirm participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup matches scheduled in India. Bangladesh, citing security concerns following the removal of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, has requested relocating its matches to Sri Lanka or swapping groups with Ireland, which the ICC has rejected. If Bangladesh refuses to travel to India, the ICC may replace them with Scotland based on rankings. Pakistan has expressed support for Bangladesh and may reconsider its own participation. The tournament begins on February 7, with Bangladesh scheduled to play group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.