The Bangladesh Cricket Board has formally requested the ICC to move its T20 World Cup 2026 matches outside India, citing safety concerns. Bangladesh was scheduled to play in Kolkata and Mumbai, but the ICC is considering relocating games to Sri Lanka. A final decision is expected within 48 hours.
In a dramatic development ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift all of Bangladesh’s fixtures scheduled in India to alternative venues. The request comes amid what the BCB described as serious safety and security concerns for its players and officials.
Key highlights of the announcement include:
Formal request submitted: Following an emergency board meeting in Dhaka, the BCB resolved that the national team would not travel to India under current conditions. The board emphasized that the decision was made after consultations with the Bangladesh government, prioritizing the safety of players, officials, and staff.
Scheduled matches in India: Bangladesh is currently slated to play three Group C matches at Eden Gardens, Kolkata against the West Indies, Italy, and England, and one match at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai against Nepal.
Tournament timeline: The T20 World Cup is scheduled from February 7 to March 8, 2026, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
ICC’s response: Reports suggest the ICC is open to relocating Bangladesh’s matches, potentially to Sri Lanka, the co-host nation. A final decision is expected within the next 24–48 hours, as venue operations and schedules are being finalized.
Underlying tensions: The controversy follows earlier flashpoints involving Bangladesh players in the IPL, notably Mustafizur Rahman, which escalated into broader concerns about participation in India.
Analysts note that this move could have significant implications for the tournament’s logistics and diplomatic relations. Relocating matches would require adjustments in scheduling, ticketing, and broadcasting, but the ICC appears keen to ensure Bangladesh’s participation without compromising safety.
The episode underscores the sensitivity of hosting multinational sporting events, where political and security considerations often intersect with cricketing priorities. For fans, the uncertainty adds intrigue to what is already one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year.
Sources: Hindustan Times, News18, UNI India, India Today
