Bangladesh ready to lose INR 240 crore but won’t play T20 World Cup 2026 in India

Bangladesh are prepared to take a massive financial hit but will not compromise on their stance ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. With the tournament set to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made it clear that the national team will not travel to India, even if it means walking away from an estimated INR 240 crore in revenue and losing their place at the World Cup.

The ICC had given Bangladesh a few days to reconsider after the BCB formally requested that their matches be shifted entirely to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. That request was turned down. Following consultations with the Bangladesh government, players and board officials, the decision remained unchanged. Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul confirmed that the ICC’s security assessment was not acceptable to them, and stated that player safety could not be negotiated.

Bangladesh to have huge financial loss

According to PTI, Bangladesh will lose around USD 27 million, close to 60 percent of their annual income, through lost broadcast share, sponsorships and tournament-related revenue. Yet, the BCB appears willing to absorb that blow rather than reverse its position. If Bangladesh do not participate, Scotland are next in line to replace them and are expected to slot into Group C, subject to ICC confirmation.

This is not it, the financial losses have begun to hurt players already, with Indian-owned bat sponsors removing Bangladeshi players from their contracts. Earlier this year, it was reported that Indian sports equipment giant SG decided to terminate sponsorship agreements with several Bangladeshi cricketers.