BCB-ICC feud with extremist fanatics Complications are increasing, Pakistan may reconsider

POBNEWS24, Dhaka, Jan 18, 2026 : The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is adamant on its decision not to go to India to play the T20 World Cup due to the continuous threats from extremist political leaders, activists and fanatics, fearing for the safety of players, media and officials. The BCB has held several meetings with the ICC regarding this. However, the issue has not been resolved yet. Meanwhile, this complication in the BCB-ICC feud is now going to take a new turn. If the ICC does not accept Bangladesh’s demands, Pakistan may reconsider its decision to play in the World Cup.
A BCB source said that Dhaka has contacted Islamabad after deciding not to go to India to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh government has contacted Pakistani officials to get help in participating in the upcoming T20 World Cup and has received a positive response.
The source also said that Pakistan may reconsider their decision to participate in the World Cup if Bangladesh’s problems are not resolved.
ICC’s Integrity Unit General Manager Andrew F. Graves arrived in Dhaka on Saturday to meet the BCB to resolve Bangladesh’s venue issue. He met with the BCB in the afternoon.
ICC’s Events and Corporate Communications General Manager Gaurav Saxena also joined the meeting online. He could not attend the meeting in person due to lack of visa. Even after the meeting with the ICC, the BCB is adamant about not deciding on India.
In a press release after the meeting with the ICC, the BCB said that various issues related to Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup were discussed in the BCB’s meeting with two ICC representatives. The BCB has once again formally requested the ICC to shift Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka.
The Bangladesh government’s views and concerns were also highlighted in the meeting. Where the issue of team security, Bangladeshi supporters, media personnel and other stakeholders has been specifically mentioned to the ICC.
The issue of changing Bangladesh’s group with Ireland was discussed in this meeting. In a press release after the meeting, the BCB said, ‘Among other things, the possibility of moving Bangladesh to another group as a way to facilitate the matter with minimal logistical changes has been discussed.’ However, no decision has been made in this regard.
Meanwhile, there has been a lot of discussion about the Bangladesh and India captains not shaking hands during the toss in the ICC Under-19 World Cup. However, the BCB said that this was just an ‘unintentional lapse’. However, the cricketers of the two teams naturally shook hands after the match.
The two teams faced each other on Saturday in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. India won the match by 18 runs via the DLS method. Bangladesh’s regular captain Azizul Hakim Tamim could not be present during the toss of this match. The BCB said that due to a temporary illness, vice-captain Jawad Abrar tossed in place of India captain Ayush Matra.
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field. The two captains forgot to shake hands with the presenter after the toss. In a statement, the BCB said, “The incident was completely unintentional and it was only due to a momentary lapse in concentration.”
Batting first, India scored 238 runs in 49 overs due to rain. In reply, Bangladesh scored 90 runs for 2 wickets in 17.2 overs before rain returned. When play resumed, Bangladesh’s target was 165 runs in 29 overs using the DLS method. Despite having 8 wickets in hand, the Junior Tigers could not match the equation of 75 runs from 70 balls; they were all out for 146 runs.
After the match, the players of both teams shook hands with each other in accordance with cricketing etiquette. There was an incident of Indian and Pakistani players not shaking hands in the last Asia Cup, which led to various rumours about the toss scene in the Bangladesh-India match. However, the doubts were dispelled by the cordial exchange at the end of the match. The BCB statement further said, “The players have been reminded that it is their responsibility to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship, cordiality and mutual respect in all interactions with the opposing team. The Bangladesh Cricket Board is always committed to upholding the values ​​of cricket on and off the field.”