The Bangladesh Cricket Board has said that the International Cricket Council has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Bangladesh’s full and uninterrupted participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, firmly rejecting reports that the global body had issued an ultimatum or outright rejected the board’s security-related request.

In an official statement, the BCB clarified conflicting media reports following a virtual meeting with the ICC held on Tuesday to discuss Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

The clarification came after reports, including one by ESPNcricinfo, claimed that the ICC had rejected Bangladesh’s request to relocate its matches from India due to security concerns and warned that failure to travel could result in the loss of points. The BCB categorically denied receiving any such warning.

According to the BCB, the ICC responded to the board’s concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh national team in India, including its request for consideration of match relocation. The council, the statement said, reaffirmed its commitment to Bangladesh’s “full and uninterrupted participation” in the tournament and expressed willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the issues raised.

The ICC also assured the board that Bangladesh’s inputs would be welcomed and duly considered as part of the tournament’s detailed security planning.

“The BCB categorically states that such claims are completely false, unfounded and do not reflect the nature or content of the communication received from the ICC,” the statement said, referring to reports suggesting an ultimatum had been issued.

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The ICC convened the meeting after the BCB wrote on Sunday asking it to consider shifting Bangladesh’s matches away from India. While neither the ICC nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India initially issued a statement on the outcome, BCB sources said the board later received an email from the ICC seeking further clarification on the security concerns highlighted.

Those sources added that the ICC requested specific details, and the BCB was preparing a comprehensive response.

The issue has emerged less than a month before the start of the 20-team tournament. Bangladesh, placed in Group C, are scheduled to play their first three matches in Kolkata against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14, before facing Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

The BCB’s concerns were raised following reports that the BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The decision was conveyed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, though no reason was publicly given.

In its statement, the BCB said it would continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant authorities to reach an amicable and practical solution, reiterating that the safety, security and well-being of the Bangladesh national team remain its highest priority.