BCB President Aminul Islam Slams ICC for 'Double Standards' Over T20 World Cup 2026 Venue Dispute

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has escalated its dispute with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over venue arrangements for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, with BCB president Aminul Islam publicly accusing the global governing body of applying double standards in its treatment of member nations.

The Core of the Dispute

Bangladesh has expressed its unwillingness to travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026, citing security concerns. The BCB has requested that their matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, a co-host of the tournament. However, the ICC has denied this request, stating that no credible security threat exists and that accommodating such a change would set a dangerous precedent for future events.

Aminul Islam Points to Champions Trophy 2025 Precedent

Speaking to the media in Dhaka following a high-level meeting between the national sports adviser, BCB officials, and Bangladeshi cricketers, Aminul Islam drew pointed comparisons to the ICC's handling of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

"The ICC tried to tell us about incidents in 1996 and 2003 but we pointed out their recent steps in a similar matter. When a country refused to travel to another country for the Champions Trophy last February, the ICC organised a neutral venue for them. The team played all their Champions Trophy matches in that neutral venue. They played in one ground, staying in one hotel. It was a privilege."

The reference is unmistakably to India, who were permitted to play all their Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai rather than traveling to Pakistan, the tournament's host nation.

The Hybrid Model Question

Aminul Islam highlighted the existing hybrid model that was developed for India-Pakistan matches during the 2024-27 cycle. This model was applied to the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup, where Pakistan played their matches in Sri Lanka while India hosted the main event.

"We are calling Sri Lanka co-hosts but they are not co-hosts. Sri Lanka is part of the hybrid model where one country is going to play. We indicated to the ICC that since our government is reluctant, we want to take that option. Still, they denied our request."

ICC's Position and the 24-Hour Ultimatum

The ICC Board has maintained that changing venues so close to the tournament is not feasible and could undermine the organization's neutrality. In a statement, the ICC noted:

"Altering the schedule under the circumstances, in the absence of any credible security threat, could set a precedent that would jeopardise the sanctity of future ICC events."

The ICC has given Bangladesh a 24-hour deadline to reconsider their position, with the threat of replacement by another team looming.

Aminul Islam responded firmly:

"A global organisation cannot give a deadline of 24 hours. We will keep fighting."

Bangladesh Government Backs BCB's Stance

The Bangladesh government has doubled down on its support for the BCB's position, adding political weight to what began as a cricketing dispute. This unified stance between the government and cricket board signals that Bangladesh is prepared to face significant consequences rather than back down.

The Bigger Picture: Cricket's Global Image

"We are proud of Bangladesh cricket, but we are doubtful about world cricket. When cricket's popularity is in decline, ICC is denying a cricket-loving country of 200 million people."

Aminul also connected the dispute to cricket's broader ambitions, noting that the sport is set to feature in the 2028 Olympics and that India is bidding for both the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

"It will be their failure if such a country is not going to the World Cup."

What Happens Next?

The BCB has confirmed it will continue communications with the ICC, but remains steadfast in its position.

"We are ready to play the World Cup in Sri Lanka. We don't want to play in India."

With the ICC threatening replacement and Bangladesh refusing to budge, this standoff could have far-reaching implications for how global cricket tournaments are organized and how member nations' concerns are addressed in the future.

Looking Ahead

This controversy raises fundamental questions about equity and consistency in international cricket governance. Whether the ICC will find a compromise or Bangladesh will face exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2026 remains to be seen. What is certain is that this dispute has exposed tensions that could reshape the relationship between the ICC and its member boards for years to come.