The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Bangladesh’s request to move its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday (January 4) had formally written to the ICC seeking a venue change for its Group C matches in the upcoming tournament, citing security concerns.
According to ESPNCricinfo, during a virtual meeting on Tuesday, the ICC told BCB that it was rejecting the request and that Bangladesh would need to travel to India to play its matches. The ICC reportedly said Bangladesh could risk forfeiting points if it did not play its matches in India. However, the BCB has maintained that no such ultimatum was conveyed to it by the global governing body.
An official notification following the call is yet to be issued by the ICC, the
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or the BCB.
Bangladesh board latest statement on its team participation in T20 World Cup
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday said the ICC is "willing to work closely" with it to address "security concerns" around the team's participation in the T20 World Cup in India even though its demand for a change of venue has not yet been accepted.
The T20 World Cup starts on February 7 and Bangladesh are due to play their four games in Kolkata and Mumbai.
"The Bangladesh Cricket Board has received response from the ICC regarding the Board's expressed concerns over the safety and security of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team in India for the ICC T20 World Cup, including the request for relocation of the team's matches," the BCB said in a statement here.
"In its communication, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament.
"The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the Board's inputs will be welcomed and duly considered as part of the detailed security planning for the event," it added.
Why did Bangladesh approach the ICC?
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia earlier revealed that KKR were told to release Mustafizur after political uncertainty and violence in Bangladesh strained relations between the two countries.
Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals with over 400 T20 dismissals, was bought by the Shah Rukh Khan-owned Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction held in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
KKR’s decision to sign the left-arm pacer sparked strong criticism, particularly on social media, following reports of multiple crimes against Hindus in Bangladesh in recent weeks.
According to reports, the IPL Governing Council and senior BCCI officials did not meet to discuss Mustafizur’s release. Instead, the instruction is said to have come from the highest level of BCCI management.
When and where are Bangladesh scheduled to play?
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, featuring 20 teams, will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Bangladesh, placed in Group C, are scheduled to play their first three matches in Kolkata:
February 7: Bangladesh to play West Indies
February 9: Bangladesh faces Italy
February 14: Bangladesh takes on England
Their final group match, against Nepal, is scheduled in Mumbai on February 17
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