The countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is tightening, but Bangladesh and the ICC remain at odds over where the Tigers will play their group matches. With the tournament less than a month away, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) says it is still waiting for an official response from the ICC after raising security and safety concerns.
BCB says ICC has not replied
BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul confirmed the board has submitted detailed documents outlining its concerns but has not yet received a reply from the ICC. “We haven’t yet received any reply from the ICC. We have sent all the attachments and proofs outlining our concerns,” Bulbul said, underlining how urgently Dhaka wants clarity.
What sparked the dispute
The disagreement followed the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL after a directive from the BCCI, which referenced some “recent developments” without giving specifics. That move angered the BCB, prompting formal exchanges with the ICC. As a result, Bangladesh has taken the position that it will not send players, officials or media personnel to India under the current circumstances and has formally requested the relocation of its four group games in India — three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai — to Sri Lanka.
BCB doubles down with more evidence
Earlier this week the BCB sent a second letter to the ICC setting out its security apprehensions in greater detail, after consulting with sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul. The ICC had asked Dhaka to specify perceived dangers, and the BCB says it has now provided that information. Publicly the ICC has been silent; privately, reports suggest it is seeking further clarification.
Why time is critical
With travel plans, training camps, broadcast schedules and ticketing to finalise, the lack of confirmation is creating pressure on all sides. Players and support staff need certainty to prepare; fans and broadcasters also require a clear venue plan. Both the BCB and the ICC face tight logistical deadlines if any relocation is to take place.
Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 group schedule
Despite the venue dispute, Bangladesh’s Group C fixtures are already in the calendar. As per the original schedule, the Tigers are set to face West Indies first at Eden Gardens and have three further group matches listed (three in Kolkata, one in Mumbai):
- Sat, Feb 7, 2026 — West Indies vs Bangladesh | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 3:00 PM IST
- Mon, Feb 9, 2026 — Bangladesh vs Italy | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 11:00 AM IST
- Sat, Feb 14, 2026 — England vs Bangladesh | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 3:00 PM IST
- Tue, Feb 17, 2026 — Bangladesh vs Nepal | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 7:00 PM IST
Next steps
The BCB has made a formal request to shift those four fixtures to Sri Lanka. Now the ball is in the ICC’s court. Whatever decision comes next must balance safety concerns, tournament integrity and the logistical reality of organising the world’s biggest T20 event on a tight timetable. For Bangladesh fans, the hope is simple: a clear answer soon so the team can focus on cricket.