The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly turned down a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to move Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India, despite security concerns raised by the board.
According to media reports, ICC officials conveyed their decision during a virtual meeting held on Tuesday, informing BCB that Bangladesh would be required to play its scheduled fixtures in India as originally planned.
Conflicting Claims Over Possible Penalties
Some reports claimed that the ICC warned Bangladesh could face points forfeiture if the team refused to travel to India. However, the BCB has rejected this claim, stating that no such ultimatum regarding point deductions was communicated during the meeting.
So far, neither the ICC nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an official written statement summarizing the outcome of the discussions.
Why Bangladesh Requested a Venue Change
The BCB formally wrote to the ICC on Sunday, requesting the council to “consider” shifting Bangladesh’s matches to a neutral venue outside India. The move came amid rising concerns following recent controversies involving Bangladeshi players in Indian cricket events.
With less than a month remaining before the 20-team tournament begins, the ICC’s stance effectively means no immediate change to Bangladesh’s World Cup schedule.
Bangladesh’s Group & Match Schedule
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will run from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Bangladesh has been placed in Group C, with matches scheduled as follows:
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Bangladesh vs West Indies – February 7, 2026 (Kolkata)
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Bangladesh vs Italy – February 9, 2026 (Kolkata)
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Bangladesh vs England – February 14, 2026 (Kolkata)
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Bangladesh vs Nepal – February 17, 2026 (Mumbai)
Unless there is a last-minute reversal, Bangladesh will need to travel between Kolkata and Mumbai during the group stage.
IPL Controversy Adds to Tensions
The venue issue surfaced soon after controversy involving Mustafizur Rahman during the Indian Premier League (IPL). The BCB approached the ICC after reports that the BCCI had instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur from their squad.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia later confirmed that such a directive had been issued, though no detailed explanation was publicly shared. Mustafizur was Bangladesh’s only player selected in the 2026 IPL auction, and reports suggested the IPL Governing Council did not formally review the decision.
What Happens Next
Despite diplomatic tensions and unresolved concerns, Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign remains officially locked to Indian venues. The BCB maintains that dialogue with the ICC is ongoing, although no formal concessions have been granted so far.
