Indian journalist claims Bangladesh's 'boycott' from T20 World Cup 2026

KARACHI: Renowned Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta on Thursday claimed that Bangladesh announced boycotting the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Gupta made the assertion on his official X handle, citing Bangladesh's Adviser for the Ministry of Youth & Sports, Asif Nazrul's statement, in which he reiterated that they want to play but only in Sri Lanka.

"Bangladesh Govt has announced their team is boycotting the World Cup," Gupta wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"Sports Adviser says Bangladesh wants to play but only and only in Sri Lanka. Big breaking," he added.

Contrary to Gupta's claim, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam, during a press conference after a meeting with national cricketers, shared that they will reapproach the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding their request for a change in venues.

He acknowledged receiving a 24-hour ultimatum from the global body but argued it could not dismiss Bangladesh from the tournament, saying it would be their loss to miss out on an audience of around 200 million.

"We will go back to the ICC with our plan to play in Sri Lanka," Aminul said. "They did give us a 24-hour ultimatum but a global body can't really do that. ICC will miss out on 200 million people watching the World Cup. It will be their loss."

"We are hopeful that ICC will give us the opportunity to play in Sri Lanka. It is our government who has decided not to go to India."

For the unversed, Bangladesh, drawn in Group C, are originally scheduled to play their first three group matches in Kolkata — against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 — before concluding their group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

Earlier today, it was reported that Pakistan will boycott the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 if Bangladesh decided to withdraw due to the nonfulfillment of their request.