The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering changing the venues for Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Reports say that two new Indian cities, Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram, could host these games if the current schedule is adjusted.
Reason for Possible Venue Change
Bangladesh’s cricket board (BCB) has asked the ICC to move their World Cup matches out of India because of security and safety concerns. They have proposed that the games be played in Sri Lanka instead of India.
However, the ICC is said to be unlikely to agree to move all matches to Sri Lanka at this late stage. Instead, officials are exploring the idea of keeping the matches in India but at different stadiums such as Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram.
Why Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram?
Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium is already a designated World Cup venue and will host several matches in the tournament. Local cricket officials say they are ready to host additional games for Bangladesh if needed. Thiruvananthapuram’s stadium in Kerala has also been mentioned as another possible venue.
Under the original schedule, Bangladesh were set to play three group matches in Kolkata and one match in Mumbai. Those fixtures would be part of the group stage of the tournament, which starts on February 7, 2026.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has written to the ICC more than once about its concerns. BCB officials say they will also consult their government before a final decision is made.
So far, the ICC has not made a final decision. With the World Cup less than a month away, discussions are ongoing and a decision is expected soon.
If approved, Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram could become new sites for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches. This move may help address some concerns without shifting the games out of India.