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ICC firm on Bangladesh stance in T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: @ShakeelktkKhan/X]
In the latest developments, the International Cricket Council is exploring options for Bangladesh to play the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India itself rather than in Sri Lanka, where the Bangladesh Cricket Board has been insisting they play.
With just a few weeks remaining before the T20 World Cup 2026, the BCB has been demanding a shift in venue from India to Sri Lanka, citing safety concerns for their players. However, the ICC and the BCB have been in a deadlock for over a week, with the apex cricket body yet to officially respond to Bangladesh’s request.
ICC eyes two cities for Bangladesh to play T20 World Cup 2026
According to a Cricbuzz report, the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have sounded out the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) as part of discussions to potentially move Bangladesh’s matches to Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram.
The report further stated that officials from both the TNCA and KCA have expressed their willingness to host the games. Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium is already scheduled to host seven matches during the tournament, including a potential Super 8 fixture involving India.
TNCA officials have also informed the ICC and BCCI that the venue has eight prepared pitches and will face no difficulty in accommodating additional matches involving Bangladesh.
What led to the Bangladesh venue shift outside India?
For those unaware, the BCCI earlier instructed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to part ways with Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, leading to the veteran being released ahead of IPL 2026.
This decision came in the backdrop of social and religious unrest following the killing of a Hindu Bangladeshi civilian in Bangladesh through mob lynching.
With tensions rising and anti-Muslim sentiments reportedly flaring, the ICC is believed to be considering that moving matches away from West Bengal and closer to southern states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu could be a safer and more diplomatically viable option.
As per the T20 World Cup 2026 schedule, Bangladesh are slated to play three matches in Kolkata up to February 14, after which they are scheduled to travel to Mumbai to face Nepal on February 17.
