ICC Rejects Bangladesh’s Request to Shift Its T20 World Cup Matches Out of India, Reportedly Maintaining That the Existing Venues Pose No Security Concerns.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly turned down the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to relocate its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India, according to multiple media reports.
This decision comes amid rising tensions between India and Bangladesh following the controversial release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from an IPL team earlier this month.
Bangladesh’s Security Concerns and Request
Earlier this week, the BCB raised concerns about the safety and security of its players and staff ahead of the T20 World Cup—co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka and scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026.
The board formally wrote to the ICC, requesting that its group-stage matches against teams such as the West Indies, Italy, England, and Nepal be moved from Kolkata and Mumbai to Sri Lanka.
This appeal came after Bangladesh cited political and diplomatic friction triggered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad.
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The decision sparked widespread controversy in Bangladesh, with the interim government even banning IPL broadcasts and openly criticising the move.
ICC’s Response: Status Quo Maintained
According to reports, the ICC told the BCB that there is no credible security threat necessitating a venue change and that the tournament schedule should remain unchanged.
The governing body emphasised that if Bangladesh refuses to play its matches in India, the team could risk forfeiting points or facing other sporting consequences.
While there has been no official public statement from the ICC or the BCB confirming the meeting’s outcome, sources say the decision stands.
The BCB has reportedly denied receiving any ultimatum or warning from the ICC regarding consequences, aiming to clarify any misunderstandings arising from media speculation.
Cricket and Diplomatic Tensions
The controversy highlights how political tensions can spill over into international sport. Bangladesh’s stance was influenced by government advice and heightened public sentiment following the IPL incident involving Mustafizur.
Cricket fans and analysts have debated the degree to which sporting bodies should accommodate security concerns in politically sensitive climates.
Upcoming World Cup Schedule
Under the current arrangement, Bangladesh will begin its T20 World Cup campaign on February 7, 2026, against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, followed by matches against Italy and England at the same venue.
The team then scheduled to play Nepal at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai before advancing further in the tournament. (The Economic Times)
With the ICC upholding the original venue plan, all eyes now turn to how the BCB and Bangladesh players respond in the coming days.
The situation continues to develop as the World Cup draws near, raising essential questions about cricket diplomacy and player safety in global competitions.