ICC Rejects Bangladesh

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to move its 2026 T20 World Cup matches out of India. The decision means Bangladesh’s games will remain scheduled at the originally planned venues in India. 

The BCB had asked the ICC to shift its matches to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns for its players, especially after tensions between the two countries increased in recent weeks. However, the ICC reviewed the request and found no clear security threat that would justify changing the venues. 

According to media reports, the ICC held a virtual meeting with the BCB and informed them that their request had been declined. Bangladesh will need to travel to India to play its World Cup matches, or it could face consequences such as forfeiting points if it refuses to play.

The ICC has not yet issued an official public statement, but reports indicate that the governing body still plans to work with the BCB to address any security concerns and ensure the Bangladesh team’s full and safe participation in the tournament. 

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh is due to play several group stage matches in Kolkata and Mumbai early in the competition. 

Bangladesh’s decision to request a venue change followed a row over the release of their fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League earlier this month, which added to already tense relations between cricket authorities of the two nations.