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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a firm ultimatum to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), asking it to confirm participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India by January 21 or face the risk of being replaced in the tournament, which begins on February 7.

According to sources familiar with the developments, ICC officials have conveyed to the BCB that failure to commit to travelling to India for the event would leave the governing body with no option but to bring in a replacement team based on current ICC rankings. Scotland is understood to be the frontrunner should Bangladesh withdraw.

The standoff stems from Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India for its group-stage matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, citing security concerns and issues of national pride. The situation worsened after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was withdrawn from the 2026 Indian Premier League following instructions from the BCCI due to unspecified “developments,” triggering heightened tensions between the boards.

Despite multiple rounds of discussions, the ICC has shown reluctance to alter the already finalised tournament schedule or shift Bangladesh’s matches to co-host Sri Lanka, where the high-profile India–Pakistan fixture will take place under an agreed ICC events framework until 2027. The ICC’s internal risk assessment report has reportedly found no specific or credible threat to the Bangladesh team should it travel to India.

Bangladesh are currently placed in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Italy and Nepal, with three league matches scheduled in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. In an attempt to resolve the deadlock, the BCB proposed a group swap with Ireland, which would place Bangladesh in Group B and allow them to play all their matches in Sri Lanka. While the idea was discussed, the ICC has not indicated any willingness to approve such a change.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated in recent months amid political and social tensions, adding a sensitive backdrop to the cricketing dispute. Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal and current Test skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto have both urged caution, warning that a rigid stance could have long-term consequences for Bangladesh cricket.

With the January 21 deadline fast approaching, the ICC is now awaiting a final decision from the BCB, making Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup increasingly uncertain.