The International Cricket Council has reportedly rejected a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board to move its T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India over security concerns. The decision was conveyed during a virtual meeting, indicating that Bangladesh is expected to play its scheduled fixtures in India.
According to reports, ICC officials informed the BCB that Bangladesh would be required to travel to India for its matches as planned. It was also claimed that refusal to tour could risk forfeiture of points, though the Bangladesh board later denied receiving any such ultimatum during discussions.
The virtual meeting was held after the BCB formally wrote to the ICC on Sunday, requesting that Bangladesh’s matches be shifted to a neutral venue. The board asked the global body to consider alternatives outside India, citing concerns, but no official statement has been issued so far.
With less than a month remaining before the tournament begins, the ICC’s reported stance means Bangladesh’s schedule remains unchanged. The 20-team T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, with Bangladesh placed in Group C.
Under the current itinerary, Bangladesh is set to play its group-stage matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. Unless there is a late policy reversal, the team will have to travel to both Indian cities, despite the BCB maintaining that talks with the ICC are still ongoing.
The venue issue surfaced amid controversy involving pacer Mustafizur Rahman during the IPL. The BCB approached the ICC after reports that the BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur, raising broader questions about decision-making and bilateral tensions.
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