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BCB: ICC willing to address concerns about playing T20 World Cup in India
The BCB has said the ICC has expressed “willingness to work closely” with the board to ensure the “full and uninterrupted participation” of the Bangladesh team in the 2026 T20 World Cup starting on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
The BCB issued a statement on Wednesday following a call with the ICC the previous evening to discuss Bangladesh’s refusal to pay their T20 World Cup group matches in India due to security concerns and a possible relocation of their fixtures. The statement did not mention whether Bangladesh would play in India or not.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has received response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the Board’s expressed concerns over the safety and security of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team in India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, including the request for relocation of the team’s matches,” the BCB said. “In its communication, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament. The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the Board’s inputs will be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event.”
ESPNcricinfo reported on Tuesday that the ICC had rejected the BCB’s request for Bangladesh’s matches to be moved and that they would forfeit points if they refused to play in India. Bangladesh, in Group C, are scheduled to play their first three matches in Kolkata: on February 7 (vs West Indies), February 9 (vs Italy) and February 14 (vs England), with their final group game, against Nepal, in Mumbai on February 17. A forfeiture of points would effectively rule Bangladesh out of the tournament; in such a scenario it is understood the ICC will not get a replacement team.
The BCB, however, denied that the ICC had communicated such an ultimatum. “The BCB has also taken note of certain reports published in a section of the media suggesting that the Board has been issued an ultimatum in this regard,” the BCB said. “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 Board will continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant event authorities in a cooperative and professional manner to arrive at an affable and practical solution that ensures the smooth and successful participation of the team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board remains firmly committed to placing the highest priority on the safety, security and well-being of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team.”
The issue of Bangladesh refusing to play in India arose following a BCCI directive to Kolkata Knight Riders [KKR], instructing the franchise to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from its 2026 squad without specifying a reason publicly, amid deteriorating relations between the two countries.
[Cricinfo]
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Warm welcome extended to the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the Presidential Secretariat
The official welcoming ceremony for the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, who is on a State visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, was held this morning (08th May 2026) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Dissanayake.
President To Lam is undertaking this State visit with the aim of further strengthening the economic, cultural and social ties between Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
Upon his arrival at the Presidential Secretariat, escorted by the Police Mounted Division, President To Lam was warmly received by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Following the playing of the national anthems of both countries, the official welcoming ceremony for President To Lam formally commenced.
On the occasion, President To Lam was accorded a ceremonial gun salute with full State honours.
Thereafter, President To Lam and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reviewed the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour, following which the Vietnamese and Sri Lankan delegations were introduced.
The two leaders also posed for official photographs.
Representing the Government of Sri Lanka at the occasion were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Science and Technology Professor Krishantha Abeysena, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Environment Dr Dhammika Patabendi, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired), Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Ranaraja, along with a number of senior officials from both countries.
(PMD)
President To Lam, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, accompanied by a delegation of 209 members arrived in Sri Lanka on Thursday (07) night on a state visit.
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