Bangladesh Cricket Board Escalates T20 World Cup Venue Dispute, Seeks ICC Arbitration Panel

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which has been adamant in its demand to move its T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India, has taken another major step against the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The BCB has written a second letter to the ICC demanding that its venue change request be referred to the ICC's independent Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC). The BCB hopes the ICC will respond to this request and place the matter before the DRC. This committee is composed of independent lawyers and resolves disputes related to the ICC.

The ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee is an independent arbitration body that resolves disputes related to international cricket. It can involve the ICC, member boards, players, officials, and relevant parties. This committee operates under English law and its hearings are held in London. The DRC's purpose is to provide legal interpretation of ICC rules, decisions, and contracts. Its decisions are final and binding, with no general right of appeal.

Bangladesh has clarified that its refusal to play the T20 World Cup in India is purely due to security concerns, and it is a sovereign decision. After meeting with senior players in Dhaka on Thursday (January 22), the country's sports advisor, Asif Nazrul, stated that there is no scope for changing the decision to travel to India. Nazrul stated that since the ICC refused to accept their demand to change the venue, it directly means that Bangladesh will not play this year's T20 World Cup. He also accused the ICC of misconduct. Nazrul stated that the security risks associated with playing in India remain the same. On Wednesday, the ICC rejected the BCB's venue demand and decided to keep the tournament schedule as is. The ICC had given the BCB one day to consult with the government and decide whether to return to India. Bangladesh has been placed in Group C alongside England, Italy, the West Indies, and Nepal. The team's first three matches are scheduled to be played in Kolkata and the final match in Mumbai. Bangladesh's opening match against the West Indies on February 7 will be the tournament's opening match.

BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul revealed that the controversy began after Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the IPL team due to security concerns. According to Bulbul, Mustafizur was neither injured nor had he withdrawn from the IPL. The BCB did not revoke his No Objection Certificate. He was only removed for security reasons. This was the moment that raised alarm bells. The BCB informed the ICC about this on January 4th. If a player can be removed from the league due to security concerns, how can the same concerns be ignored for the World Cup? Bulbul stated that the BCB has chosen a path of resolution, not confrontation. Bulbul stated, "We suggested a neutral venue or hybrid model, as has been done in previous ICC tournaments. Our only demand was that we be allowed to play, whether it be in Sri Lanka or elsewhere."