KEY POINTS
- ICC denied Bangladesh’s request to move its T20 World Cup matches outside India.
- ICC stated change was unfeasible and affirmed there is no security threat in India.
- ICC warned that granting the request would set dangerous precedent for future.
- Bangladesh must now decide whether to play in India.
DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday rejected a request by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to shift its Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns in India.
The global governing body has instructed the tournament to proceed as planned
The verdict was delivered during a virtual ICC Board meeting convened specifically to address the BCB’s appeal.
In an official statement, the ICC confirmed, “the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will proceed as scheduled with Bangladesh’s matches to be played in India.”
The council dismissed the possibility of a last-minute venue change, stating it was “not feasible” with less than a month until the tournament’s start on February 7.
ICC warns of precedent
The ICC firmly addressed the core of Bangladesh’s concerns, asserting there is “no credible security threat” to players, media, or fans at any of the designated Indian venues.
The statement warned that accommodating such a request under the present circumstances “could set a precedent that would jeopardise the sanctity of future ICC events and undermine its neutrality as a global governing body.”
The ICC also noted its management had engaged in multiple correspondences and meetings with the BCB, sharing detailed security plans involving layered federal and state law enforcement.
Bangladesh’s fixture list and awaiting response
Bangladesh, placed in Group C, is slated to play its first three matches in Kolkata against the West Indies (Feb 7), Italy (Feb 9), and England (Feb 14), before concluding the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.
Following the ICC’s definitive ruling, the BCB, which had earlier indicated a final decision would be announced on January 21, has yet to issue an official comment.
The board now faces the decision of whether to participate under the established conditions or pursue further action, with the cricketing world awaiting its next move.
