BCB ignores PCB's T20 World Cup request; adamant on playing in...

Anurag Dasgupta

BCB adamant on playing in Sri Lanka [Source: AFP Photo] BCB adamant on playing in Sri Lanka [Source: AFP Photo]

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has not given up on playing their T20 World Cup 2026 games in Sri Lanka, but there is no clarity from the ICC regarding the venue change. With just three weeks left for the World Cup, uncertainty looms large over Bangladesh’s venues for the marquee event.

The BCB has formally approached the ICC to relocate its group stage games in Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in India and the ongoing political turmoil between the two nations. However, according to the latest reports, the ICC is once again set to reject the BCB’s request as they are exploring venues in India, mainly in the Southern Part of the country.

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and the Karnataka Cricket Association have been approached by the ICC to host Bangladesh matches, and reportedly, the two boards are willing to do it.

Why things turned sour ahead of T20 World Cup

Due to the political unrest in Bangladesh, the India-Bangladesh relationship was hampered, and the latest uproar in India has been the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu, by a mob that accused him of blasphemy.

As a result of this turmoil, KKR, who bought Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, was pressurised to release the player before the IPL 2026 season. The franchise obeyed the order and this infuriated BCB as they decided to unleash the fury by writing a letter to the ICC, demanding their venue change.

The ICC reportedly rejected BCB’s first plea to change the venue, but the board remained adamant as they cited security reasons for not coming to India for the marquee event. 

Pakistan Cricket Board also intervened as they offered ICC an opportunity to host the Bangladesh group stage matches. However, an official confirmation from the ICC is likely to be released on Monday, January 12.

Can Bangladesh cricket be punished if they opt out of T20 World Cup

BCB wants to play in Sri Lanka and have reportedly threatened to pull out of the World Cup next month. In such a scenario, the ICC has the right to punish the BCB for its actions.

Bangladesh could be barred from taking part in future World Cup tournaments if the ICC finds that the BCB is playing a curveball with them. For the T20 World Cup 2026, Bangladesh had a direct qualification, but if they pull out of the event, it could jeopardize automatic qualification for the next World Cup.

The board won’t get any financial compensation if they decide not to participate in the T20 World Cup in India/Sri Lanka.