The International Cricket Council has rejected Bangladesh’s request to move its matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 out of India, according to media reports. The decision followed a virtual meeting between the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board on Tuesday, held after the BCB raised concerns over security and sought a change in venues for its fixtures.
Conflicting accounts emerged after the discussion. ESPNcricinfo reported that the ICC informed the BCB that the request had been turned down and that Bangladesh would be required to travel to India for the tournament. The report further claimed that the ICC warned Bangladesh could face the loss of points if it failed to participate as scheduled. However, the BCB later denied receiving any ultimatum or warning from the global governing body.
Tournament schedule and group fixtures
Neither the ICC, the BCCI, nor the BCB issued an official statement clarifying the outcome of the call, which the ICC organised after the BCB formally asked on Sunday for its matches to be “considered” for relocation. The issue surfaced less than a month before the 20-team tournament begins, adding urgency to the situation.
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8, with matches hosted across India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh, placed in Group C, are due to play their first three matches in Kolkata against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14. The team will then complete the group stage with a fixture against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.
Background to the dispute
The BCB reportedly approached the ICC after the BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision, though no formal explanation was provided. Notably, the IPL Governing Council did not meet on the issue, leaving questions over how the decision was taken.
