Bangladesh’s venue shift request denied amid escalating tensions
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down Bangladesh’s request to move their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo. The decision comes in the wake of heightened diplomatic and cricketing friction between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Bangladesh had sought a change in venue for their Group C fixtures, citing security concerns for their players and support staff. The request was submitted shortly after the BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh’s premier left-arm pacer, from their IPL 2026 roster. Mustafizur, who was signed for ₹9.20 crore (approx. US$1.1 million), became the center of controversy due to political backlash in India following incidents of violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.
The IPL fallout and emergency talks
The move to drop Mustafizur prompted the BCB to convene an emergency high-level meeting, following which the board formally wrote to the ICC. They requested that their World Cup fixtures be held in Sri Lanka — a co-host of the tournament — instead of Indian venues.
BCB officials expressed concern that if the safety of one player could not be assured in India, it would be difficult to justify sending an entire national squad, along with coaches, media personnel, and fans. The appeal, however, failed to sway the governing body.
ICC response: Adhere or forfeit
During a virtual meeting held on January 6, the ICC reportedly informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board that the tournament schedule would remain unchanged, making it clear that Bangladesh would be expected to play their matches in India or face the possibility of forfeiting points if they chose not to participate, according to ESPNcricinfo.
The report also notes that the BCB, despite receiving this communication, claimed no such ultimatum had been relayed to them officially.
Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup schedule remains unchanged
As it stands, Bangladesh are slated to play all four of their Group C matches in India. Their campaign begins on February 7 against the West Indies, followed by two games against Italy (on February 9 and February 14), all scheduled at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Their final group-stage encounter will be played against Nepal on February 17 in Mumbai.
