Confusion continues over Bangladesh’s base for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) told the ICC it wants to shift its matches from India to Sri Lanka. The move follows a string of tensions between the two countries that began after Mustafizur Rahman’s unexpected exit from the Indian Premier League and Bangladesh’s subsequent ban on IPL broadcasts. Since then the BCB has raised concerns about security and national dignity, asking the ICC to relocate their fixtures.
Possible alternative Indian venues emerge
Despite Bangladesh notifying the ICC of a planned move to Sri Lanka, reports say the ICC held a virtual meeting with the BCB and urged them to stick to the original schedule in India — or risk forfeiting match points. In that context, media outlets have suggested two South Indian venues as alternatives should the ICC decide to keep Bangladesh in India: Chennai’s M.A. Chidambaram Stadium and Thiruvananthapuram’s Greenfield International Stadium.
Why the change was requested
Bangladesh had been due to play Group C games at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens and Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. The BCB told the ICC it had “security issues” and cited concerns over the treatment of Bangladeshi players, officials and supporters. Government sports advisor Asif Nazrul said the BCB has written to the ICC twice and emphasised that Bangladesh is “a cricket-crazy nation” but will not play if it risks “national humiliation” or the safety and dignity of its people.
Pakistan offers to step in
With the situation unresolved, Pakistan has reportedly offered to host Bangladesh’s matches if Sri Lanka cannot. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is said to have formally contacted the ICC and indicated it could provide one or two venues. Pakistan has previously been firm about not travelling to India, and reports suggest this offer is intended as a contingency to ensure Bangladesh can play its World Cup fixtures.
What’s next — and the immediate schedule
ICC has not yet given a formal response to the BCB’s request. Under the current schedule, Bangladesh start their Group C campaign against the West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The group also includes England, Italy and Nepal.
For now, the options appear to be: Bangladesh accepts the original India fixtures; the ICC grants the BCB’s request and moves Bangladesh to Sri Lanka; or alternative Indian venues (Chennai or Thiruvananthapuram) are offered as a compromise. With official confirmation still awaited from the ICC, cricket followers in Bangladesh and beyond will be watching closely for a resolution.