Mustafizur Rahman and Jay Shah (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, the ICC is reportedly working on a fresh schedule for the T20 World Cup 2026 after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally requested that its matches be moved out of India.
The sudden development has thrown the tournament into uncertainty, with only a month left before the competition begins on February 7.
T20 World Cup 2026 schedule under review
According to a report in The Indian Express, the ICC has begun discussions to rearrange fixtures following growing tensions between India and Bangladesh.
The crisis erupted after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cancelled the Indian Premier League contract of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman.
The ace pacer was picked by three-time IPL champions KKR for a sum of INR 9.20 crore during the auction held in Abu Dhabi. However, the BCCI reportedly directed KKR to release the pacer amid strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Soon after receiving instructions, KKR officially released the 30-year-old pacer from their squad. This move triggered an immediate response from the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
The BCB called an emergency meeting and, on Sunday, released an official statement confirming that it had written to the ICC requesting a change in venue for its World Cup matches.
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BCB asks ICC to shift matches citing safety concerns
In its letter, the BCB expressed "growing concerns regarding the safety and security" of its players if they were to play in India. The board requested that Bangladesh’s matches be shifted to Sri Lanka instead.
"I have asked the BCB to explain the entire matter to the ICC. The board should inform that where a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India despite being contracted, the entire Bangladeshi cricket team cannot feel safe going to play in the World Cup. I have also instructed the Board to request that Bangladesh's World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka," Nazrul wrote on Facebook.
As per the original schedule, Bangladesh is set to play all its Group C matches in India. Their opening match is scheduled to play against the West Indies in Kolkata on February 7, followed by games against Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 at the same venue.
Their group-stage campaign will conclude with a match against Nepal on February 17 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Revised T20 World Cup schedule likely as talks continue
With the tournament only weeks away, the ICC now faces a major logistical challenge. Any change in venues would require reworking travel plans, accommodation, broadcast schedules, and ticketing arrangements. It could also impact other teams placed in the same group as Bangladesh.
The situation has put the ICC in a difficult position, as it must balance player safety, diplomatic sensitivities, and the smooth conduct of a global tournament like the T20 World Cup.
While no official announcement has been made, reports suggest that discussions are ongoing and a revised schedule could be released soon.
