The International Cricket Council has firmly declined the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s appeal to relocate Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup fixtures away from India, sources said, escalating a standoff that could see Bangladesh excluded from the tournament altogether.

At an ICC Board meeting held on Wednesday, the proposal was defeated by a decisive margin, with only two votes in favour. Following the decision, the global governing body informed the BCB that continued refusal to tour India would result in Bangladesh being removed from the 2026 T20 World Cup and replaced by Scotland. The board has been given a final 24-hour window to communicate its stance.

The ICC has also asked the BCB to officially brief the Bangladesh government on the outcome of the meeting. According to officials familiar with the discussions, most directors supported enforcing the original schedule, with Pakistan being the lone board to back Bangladesh’s request. Pakistan had earlier written to the ICC endorsing Bangladesh’s suggestion to play its matches in Sri Lanka, a co-host nation.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7, with Bangladesh currently slated to play three group-stage games in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. However, citing security concerns and backed by Dhaka, the BCB has refused to send the national team to India and has pushed for either a venue change or a reshuffle of groups.

Bangladesh is presently placed in Group C with England, West Indies, Nepal and Italy. As an alternative, the BCB proposed swapping groups with Ireland, which would move Bangladesh to Group B and allow it to play all league matches in Sri Lanka. The ICC has shown little appetite for altering groups so close to the tournament, despite Sri Lanka also hosting marquee fixtures under existing ICC agreements.

If Bangladesh withdraws, Scotland is expected to take its place in Group C. Although Scotland did not qualify directly, it now stands to gain entry due to the ongoing impasse.

The dispute has dragged on for weeks, with multiple meetings failing to produce a resolution. Tensions reportedly escalated after an IPL-related decision involving Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, amid strained political relations between the two countries. The fallout has also triggered unrest within Bangladesh cricket, including disruptions to the Bangladesh Premier League.

With the deadline imminent, the ICC appears prepared to act. Should the BCB maintain its refusal, Bangladesh’s place in the World Cup will be forfeited.