ICC Rejects Bangladesh’s Request to Move T20 World Cup 2026 Matches Out of India

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to relocate Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 from India. The decision was taken during an emergency ICC board meeting held on Wednesday, attended by all member boards.

According to sources, 14 of the 16 ICC board members voted against altering the existing tournament schedule. The ICC has formally informed the BCB of its decision and given the board 24 hours to communicate its final stance.

The controversy began after IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman following advice from the BCCI. Citing security concerns, the BCB subsequently requested that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be shifted from India to Sri Lanka. Despite multiple rounds of discussions between the ICC and BCB, Bangladesh remained firm on its refusal to travel to India.

As an alternative, the BCB proposed a group swap with Ireland, which would have allowed Bangladesh to compete in Group B and play all group-stage matches in Sri Lanka. However, the ICC rejected this proposal as well.

With the ICC refusing to make any changes to the original schedule, Bangladesh now faces a critical decision. If the BCB chooses not to send its team to India, Bangladesh risks being excluded from the T20 World Cup 2026 altogether.

Sources indicate that Scotland is the most likely replacement if Bangladesh withdraws, although Cricket Scotland has reportedly not yet been officially approached by the ICC. Notably, a similar situation occurred in 2009, when Zimbabwe withdrew from the T20 World Cup due to political reasons and was replaced by Scotland.