ICC Stands Firm: Bangladesh T20 World Cup Matches to Proceed in India
Bangladesh must play Group C fixtures in India despite security concerns; ICC warns of point forfeiture
India, Dec 07 : The International Cricket Council (ICC), led by Jay Shah, has turned down the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to move their matches in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 from India to Sri Lanka. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will run from February 7 to March 8.
A virtual meeting on Tuesday between the ICC and BCB addressed the Bangladeshi team’s security concerns. However, the ICC reaffirmed that Bangladesh is required to travel to India for their fixtures, warning that any refusal could result in forfeiture of points in the tournament. No official statement has yet been issued by the ICC, BCCI, or BCB regarding the decision.
The request for a venue change follows the release of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad by the BCCI. In response, the BCB imposed a ban on IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh and formally asked the ICC to relocate the World Cup matches.
An emergency BCB board meeting highlighted “deep concern” over the circumstances surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in matches scheduled in India. Tensions between the two nations have escalated after reports of violence against members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, drawn in Group C, will start their campaign with three matches in Kolkata: against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14. They will conclude the group stage in Mumbai against Nepal on February 17.
The ICC’s decision underscores that tournament obligations take precedence over bilateral concerns, ensuring the schedule remains intact despite regional sensitivities.
