BCCI responds to Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup venue change request; final decision with ICC

PNN Staff Report

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to hold some matches of the 2026 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka instead of India. After remaining silent for a long time, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finally expressed its stance.

However, BCCI clarified that they do not have the authority to make the final decision. On Friday (January 9), after a meeting in Mumbai, BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia told the media that all T20 World Cup-related decisions fall under ICC jurisdiction, and BCCI’s role is only as the host country.

The situation arose after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was reportedly removed from an IPL team due to pressure from certain right-wing groups in India. Kolkata Knight Riders subsequently released Mustafizur from the team. Following this, the Bangladesh government and BCB raised security concerns and requested ICC to consider a change in match venues.

Although discussions via email between ICC and BCB are ongoing, no final decision has been made yet. Time is pressing as the tournament is scheduled to start on February 7. The 2026 T20 World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8 at eight venues across India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh is in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Nepal, and Italy. Their first three matches against West Indies will take place in India—matches against England and Italy at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and against Nepal at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. BCB stated that ICC President Jay Shah and the ICC are considering Bangladesh’s concerns seriously. ICC will work closely with BCB to ensure Bangladesh’s safety and uninterrupted participation, taking all necessary measures based on the situation.