According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the ICC has given BCB a deadline of January 21. This decision was announced in the meeting of two organizations in Dhaka on Saturday. The BCB stood firm on its position citing security concerns and offered to move the matches from India to co-hosts Sri Lanka. However, the ICC has clearly stated that there is no specific security threat against the Bangladesh team or any other team on Indian soil.

While a report by an independent security agency cited the threat level in India as ‘moderate to high’, the ICC said this was a general precautionary assessment, not specific to any specific group. Because of this, the ICC also rejected the proposal to change the group with Ireland. As a result, the unresolved tussle between the BCB and the ICC has entered its third week.

According to the schedule, the Bangladesh team will play three matches in the group stage in Kolkata and one match in Mumbai, starting on February 7, the opening day of the World Cup. However, the IPL issue is seen as another major reason behind BCB’s concern. Kolkata Knight Riders were forced to drop Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 IPL on the orders of the BCCI, allegedly pointing to growing anti-Bangladesh sentiment in India.

Disagreement has also arisen within the BCB regarding this position. While former cricketers called for a diplomatic solution, a controversial comment by a board official further muddied the situation. Not playing in the World Cup would not result in financial loss—suggesting discontent among players and even short-lived strikes. Although the crisis was eventually resolved through negotiations, Bangladesh’s participation in the World Cup remains uncertain.