Key points
- Matches to remain scheduled in Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh raised security concerns over India
- ICC shows little support for change
ISLAMABAD: Cricket Ireland has dismissed reports suggesting a possible group-stage swap with Bangladesh for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, confirming that Ireland’s matches will remain scheduled in Sri Lanka.
The clarification follows claims from Bangladesh that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to exchange its group with Ireland’s due to security concerns about travelling to India.
A Cricket Ireland official said the board had received firm assurances from the ICC that no changes would be made to Ireland’s original schedule. “We’re definitely playing the group stage in Sri Lanka,” the official said.
Ireland have been drawn in Group C alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe and Oman, with all group matches set to be played in Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh, meanwhile, are placed in Group B with West Indies, England, Nepal and Italy, and are scheduled to play their group fixtures in Kolkata and Mumbai. The BCB raised the possibility of a group change during a meeting with ICC officials in Dhaka on Saturday, citing concerns for the safety of players, officials, fans and media.
In a statement, the BCB said relocating Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka was discussed as part of wider talks on tournament logistics. However, the proposal has found little support from either the ICC or Cricket Ireland.
Despite the disagreement, the BCB described discussions with the ICC as constructive and said dialogue would continue.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
