To shift T20 WC matches from India: ICC rejects Bangladesh request

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Bangladesh’s request to move its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka. 

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday (4) had formally written to the ICC seeking a venue change for its Group C matches in the upcoming tournament, citing security concerns. 

According to ESPNCricinfo, during a virtual meeting on Tuesday (6), the ICC told BCB that it was rejecting the request and that Bangladesh would need to travel to India to play its matches. 

The ICC reportedly said Bangladesh could risk forfeiting points if it did not play its matches in India. 

However, the BCB has maintained that no such ultimatum was conveyed to it by the global governing body.

An official notification following the call is yet to be issued by the ICC, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or the BCB.

The BCB’s decision to approach the ICC followed the BCCI instructing Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. 

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia earlier revealed that KKR were told to release Mustafizur after political uncertainty and violence in Bangladesh strained relations between the two countries.

Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals with over 400 T20 dismissals, was bought by the Shah Rukh Khan-owned Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction held in Abu Dhabi on 16 December.

KKR’s decision to sign the left-arm pacer sparked strong criticism, particularly on social media, following reports of multiple crimes against Hindus in Bangladesh in recent weeks. 

According to reports, the IPL Governing Council and senior BCCI officials did not meet to discuss Mustafizur’s release. 

Instead, the instruction is said to have come from the highest level of BCCI management. 

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, featuring 20 teams, will be held in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March.

Bangladesh, placed in Group C, are scheduled to play their first three matches in Kolkata.

Their final group match, against Nepal, is scheduled in Mumbai on 17 February.

(Agencies)

Source - The Morning