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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) request to move their T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India due to security concerns. Sports Tak has learnt that ICC has told BCB to stick to the existing schedule or risk forfeiting points.
“ICC told BCB that they are rejecting the request to play Bangladesh's matches outside India due to security concerns. The ICC is understood to have told the BCB that Bangladesh will need to travel to India to play the T20 World Cup or risk forfeiting points,” the source told Sports Tak.
However, the sources in the BCB have said that they haven’t been informed about such a decision from the ICC. An official statement on the issue is yet to be made by the apex cricket board.
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What options are Bangladesh left with?
If ICC has rejected BCB’s request to shift their matches out of India, Bangladesh have two points in front of them. They can oblige and play their matches in India. If BCB remains adamant on their stand, they will have to forfeit from T20 World Cup 2026. Bangladesh have three games in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
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Why BCB wants their matches shifted out of India?
BCB made the move in response to their left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman getting released by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the directive of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Rahman was roped in for Rs 9.2 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Reportedly, no meeting involving IPL governing council took place to discuss the Bangladesh pacer's ouster. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia informed the franchise and made the media statement.
In addition, Bangladesh government has asked the country’s Information & Broadcasting ministry to suspend IPL broadcast as well.
What is Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule?
Bangladesh are scheduled to take on West Indies in their campaign opener at Eden Gardens in Group C's first clash on February 7. Then, they will go up against debutants Italy on February 9. Their last group stage match in Kolkata is against England. The Litton Das-led Bangladesh will travel to Mumbai for their last group stage fixture against Nepal on February 17.
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