Now a big statement from former Indian cricketer Atul Wasan has come out on the ongoing dispute between India and Bangladesh regarding T20 World Cup 2026. Vasan has advised Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to look at this tournament as an opportunity to improve mutual relations instead of demanding to move the matches out of India.

Atul Wasan’s advice to Bangladesh

Speaking to ANI, Atul Vasan said that there is no need to worry about security in India. According to him, there are strong security arrangements for international events in India and there is no scope for any mistake in ICC level tournaments.

Wasan specifically mentioned Bangladesh captain Liton Das and said that his captaincy should be seen as a positive sign. He said that Bangladesh should understand that their captain is a Hindu and this can be used to increase trust between the two countries, and not to further escalate the dispute.

Shifting matches ‘logistical nightmare’ for ICC

The former cricketer clearly said that shifting the matches to another place just before the start of the tournament would be a “logistical nightmare” for the ICC. Preparations for the World Cup start a long time ago and it is almost impossible to make changes so close.

He believes that ICC cannot change the entire plan on the demand of any one team. If every team starts taking decisions as per its convenience, then organizing a big tournament will become difficult.

Conflict in the stance of BCB and ICC

Atul Wasan also said that BCB’s concerns do not match the ICC’s view. He said in gestures that ICC must have given a clear message to Bangladesh, either play as per the scheduled schedule or be ready to be out of the tournament.

BCB stands by its decision

Meanwhile, BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul has also made it clear that the board is firm on its decision to play its matches in India. He said that despite ICC rejecting the request, Bangladesh’s stand has not changed.

World Cup will start from 7th February

It is noteworthy that the T20 World Cup 2026 is to start from February 7, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. In such a situation, it will be interesting to see in the coming days whether Bangladesh sticks to its stand or finds a middle path with ICC.

There are about two weeks left for the start of T20 World Cup 2026, but the picture is still not clear regarding Bangladesh’s participation. Tension continues between Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding their matches to be held in India. Meanwhile, Bangladesh team captain Liton Das has given his reaction on this controversy for the first time.

Bangladesh captain Liton Das broke his silence

Speaking to the media after a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match on Tuesday, Liton Das was asked whether the pitches of the domestic tournament were helping in preparation for the T20 World Cup. In response to this question, Liton pointed towards the ongoing uncertainty regarding the World Cup and clearly said that he is not in a position to say anything on this issue. Liton Das said, “Are you sure that we are going to play the World Cup? From my side the situation is not clear. Everyone is confused. Right now the whole of Bangladesh is in uncertainty. I understand what you want to ask, but it is not safe for me to answer that question.”

ICC and BCB face to face

Actually, BCB has demanded from ICC that its matches to be held in India in T20 World Cup 2026 should be shifted to Sri Lanka. The board says that there is concern about the safety of the team in India. However, ICC seems to be in no mood to accept this demand and even after several meetings held so far, no concrete result has been achieved.

Strict stance of Bangladesh government

Bangladesh Government’s Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul has already taken a strong stance on this matter. He has clearly said that Bangladesh team will not go to India under any circumstances. ICC has given BCB an ultimatum to clear its position by January 21, but there seems to be little chance of the government backing down from its stand.

Asif Nazrul also said that if ICC tries to impose unfair conditions on Bangladesh by applying pressure, then they will not be accepted. He also reminded that in the past ICC had changed the venue when Pakistan did not go to India, hence Bangladesh’s demand should also be seen on the same basis.

Will Scotland get entry?

If Bangladesh withdraws from the T20 World Cup, then based on the current ranking, Scotland can be included in its place. At present the entire matter is hanging in the balance and cricket fans are waiting for the final decision of ICC.