New Delhi: The International Cricket Council has declined a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to relocate Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 away from India, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo. The decision was conveyed during a virtual meeting between ICC officials and BCB representatives earlier this week.
During the discussion, the global governing body reportedly made it clear that Bangladesh’s men’s team would be required to travel to India for their scheduled fixtures. Failure to do so, the ICC indicated, could result in forfeiture of points in the tournament. No formal public statement has so far been issued by either the ICC or the BCB following the meeting.
The BCB had approached the ICC on Sunday, seeking to have Bangladesh’s matches shifted to Sri Lanka, citing safety and security concerns for its players. The T20 World Cup in 2026 is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
As per the existing schedule, Bangladesh are slated to begin their campaign on February 7 with a group match against West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. They are also scheduled to face Italy and England at the same venue before moving to Mumbai for a fixture against Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium. The tournament opener will feature Pakistan and the Netherlands in Colombo.
Earlier, the BCB released a statement after convening an emergency meeting of its board of directors, expressing apprehension over the team’s participation in matches to be played in India. The board said it had reviewed recent developments and taken note of advice from the Bangladesh government before resolving that the national side would not travel to India under the prevailing circumstances.
The issue has unfolded against the backdrop of wider tensions involving cricketing ties between the two countries. Recently, IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders removed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 season. The decision followed a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), amid political sensitivities in India linked to reports of attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had said the board instructed KKR to release the player due to “recent developments,” while allowing the franchise to seek a replacement if required. Mustafizur had been signed by the three-time IPL champions for ₹9.20 crore during the auction last December.
The developments have added a political and diplomatic layer to preparations for the T20 World Cup, even as the ICC maintains that tournament arrangements, including venues and fixtures, will proceed as planned.
