Indian government issues statement on Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 entry

The situation between India and Bangladesh over the T20 World Cup 2026 has intensified, with the Indian government now closely tracking developments. Sources say the government is working in coordination with the BCCI and is reviewing the matter on a daily basis.

According to a Times of India report, the government is fully aware of the situation and is prepared to “act whenever required.” Bangladesh has asked for its matches to be moved out of India and shifted to Sri Lanka, but the ICC has not yet responded after initially rejecting the request.

With India set to host part of the multi-nation tournament, sources said the government will follow its standard sports policy of welcoming all participating teams. Any action from the Indian side will depend on the final position taken by Bangladesh.

Decision lies with Bangladesh, say sources

A BCCI source made it clear that the first move must come from Bangladesh. “Once their govt makes the stand clear or takes a final decision, only then will Indian authorities react,” the source said, as quoted by TOI. The source added that if Bangladesh decides to withdraw from the tournament or insists on relocation, it would be entirely their own call. Indian authorities will respond only after Dhaka officially communicates its final decision. 

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Bangladesh’s concerns are linked to what it sees as growing anti-Muslim sentiment on Indian social media following the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has also raised concerns after Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the IPL by the BCCI.

Responding to safety concerns, a BCCI source said, “As for the Bangladesh cricket team, there will be full security measures in place. The government's stand has always been that of welcoming every nation coming here to participate. The ball is in their court whether they want to come or not. The decision is entirely theirs."

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has sent a second formal letter to the ICC, giving the global body 48 hours to respond to its request. With the T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled to start on February 7, the ICC’s decision could have major implications for both the BCCI and Bangladesh cricket.