BCB plans new domestic T20 tournament following World Cup 2026 omission

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a new domestic competition, the ODOMMO Bangladesh T20 Cup 2026, after Bangladesh’s exclusion from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The decision comes after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland following the BCB’s refusal to travel to India for the marquee event.

Bangladesh was originally scheduled to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026, set to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7. However, citing security concerns and diplomatic developments, the BCB expressed unwillingness to send its team to India.

The board also requested a venue change and later proposed a group swap with Ireland, both of which were rejected by the ICC. Following an ultimatum to confirm participation by January 21, Bangladesh was eventually replaced by Scotland based on ICC rankings. The decision reportedly caused dissatisfaction among several senior players, including T20I captain Litton Kumar Das.

To address the fallout, the BCB unveiled the ODOMMO Bangladesh T20 Cup 2026, scheduled to be held from February 5 to 9, coinciding with the World Cup window. “ODOMMO,” meaning indomitable in Bangla, reflects the board’s intent to maintain competitiveness despite the setback.

The tournament will feature three teams, Dhumketu XI, Durbar XI, and Duronto XI, bringing Bangladesh’s leading T20 talent under one roof. Litton Das will captain Dhumketu XI, Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead Durbar XI, while Akbar Ali has been named skipper of Duronto XI.

The BCB has stated that the event will carry prize money and player fees worth Tk 2.5 crore (approximately INR 1.87 crore). Match fees and incentives have also been introduced to ensure competitive intensity. The Impact Player rule will be implemented.

Group-stage matches will be played on February 5, 6, and 7, with the final scheduled for February 9 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Each matchday will include a cultural programme before the start of play. The board has also confirmed fan-friendly ticket prices, ranging from BDT 100 to BDT 1,000.

Coaching appointments have been finalised, with Mohammad Salahuddin, Mizanur Rahman Babul and Hannan Sarkar heading the respective team setups. A fitness camp and tests for national players will begin on February 1.