The claim that **Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)** and officials have announced to boycott **ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026** (co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, starting February 7, 2026) is true based on reports by Hindustan Times, Zee News, ESPNcricinfo, News18, Business Standard and others dated January 22, 2026.

The BCB had requested to shift Bangladesh’s four group-stage matches (against West Indies, Italy, England in Kolkata; against Nepal in Mumbai) from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns amid bilateral tensions ( to incidents like Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL exit and political issues). The ICC rejected it after a board meeting on January 21, 2026, stating that no credible threat existed as per the security assessment and that late changes would set a wrong precedent. Bangladesh confirmed the boycott after a high-level meeting involving government sports advisor Asif Nazrul, players and BCB officials, in which last-minute talks were planned but no agreement was expected. The ICC indicated that if Bangladesh withdrew they would be replaced by another team (possibly Scotland).

**Financial impacts** are mixed:

– **BCB’s institutional revenue** (from the ICC’s 2024-27 model, ~$20 million annually for full members) is largely fixed and secure until 2027, according to BCB Finance Committee Chairman M. Nazmul Islam and officials, who claim the board will suffer “no financial loss”.

– **Direct loss** includes forgoing ICC participation fee (~**USD 500,000** or ~₹5 crore / BDT 6.67 crore), potential prize money (more as we move forward) and any performance bonuses.

– **Players** will suffer significant losses: loss of earnings from match fees, bonuses and exposure, and will not receive any compensation from BCB.

– News18 and ABP Live analyzes suggest that indirect impacts could arise from reduction in broadcast/sponsorship value in subcontinent markets, potential ICC fines/penalties for violation of participation agreements, loss of ranking points, strain in bilateral relations (e.g. with BCCI), and long-term impact on future hosting/revenue sharing. The boycott is due to geopolitical/security conflicts, with the ICC prioritizing the integrity of the schedule. Bangladesh’s absence will reduce the subcontinental appeal of the tournament, but it will go ahead without any major disruptions.