The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is preparing to take the matter of match venues for the T20 World Cup 2026 to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The move comes amid rising tensions between Bangladesh and India after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman following widespread public protests. That intervention has prompted the BCB to explore alternatives for where Bangladesh will play its World Cup fixtures.
Why Bangladesh is considering a venue change
Tensions escalated after the Mustafizur episode, when public unrest in India about a Bangladeshi player’s IPL involvement was cited by BCCI officials. Although the BCCI had earlier given assurances that visas for Bangladesh players would be provided for the World Cup, the BCB now wants clarity and contingency plans. Officials say they will take the matter to the ICC to request a decision or exemption that could allow Bangladesh to play at a neutral venue.
Could Bangladesh follow Pakistan’s lead?
Pakistan is expected to play all of its World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, despite India and Sri Lanka co-hosting the tournament. The BCB has indicated that, if the ICC grants an exemption, Bangladesh could choose the same path and shift its fixtures to Sri Lanka rather than play on Indian soil. A BCB official summed up the position: “I cannot make any comment regarding the release of Mustafizur as this is their internal matter, but as far as taking part in the World Cup is concerned, it is an ICC event, and they will make the final call after taking everything into consideration.”
Next steps and timing
BCB representatives plan to raise the issue with the ICC as soon as possible. With the tournament scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026, the board is keen to reach a resolution quickly so travel, logistics and match preparations can proceed without last-minute disruption.
What prompted the latest strain?
The immediate flashpoint was the BCCI’s request to KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman amid strong public reaction. The BCCI secretary referenced “the unrest that had developed across the country” when explaining the request. Following the episode, the BCCI also said a previously postponed Indian tour to Bangladesh would remain on hold until the Indian government gave approval, adding further uncertainty to bilateral cricketing ties.
Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule (current fixtures)
| Date | Match No | Group | Teams | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Feb 7, 2026 | 2nd Match | Group C | West Indies vs Bangladesh | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Mon, Feb 9, 2026 | 7th Match | Group C | Bangladesh vs Italy | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Sat, Feb 14, 2026 | 23rd Match | Group C | England vs Bangladesh | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Tue, Feb 17, 2026 | 33rd Match | Group C | Bangladesh vs Nepal | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
What this means for fans and the tournament
A change of venue for Bangladesh would have knock-on effects for scheduling, travel arrangements and ticketing, and could reshape some group dynamics. The ICC’s decision will be closely watched by fans, broadcasters and both boards. For now, the situation remains in flux: the BCB is seeking clarity, and the final call rests with the ICC.