The Board of Control for Cricket in India has reacted strongly to reports suggesting that the Bangladesh Cricket Board is planning to approach the International Cricket Council to request a change in venue for Bangladesh’s matches in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The global tournament is scheduled to take place across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, with Bangladesh currently slated to play its group-stage matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.
According to multiple reports, the Bangladesh Cricket Board is preparing a formal communication to the ICC, citing security concerns for its players while travelling to India. This development follows the growing controversy surrounding Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who was released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2026 season after intervention from the BCCI. The decision has added fuel to already rising tensions between the two cricket boards.
Reacting to the situation, a senior BCCI source dismissed the possibility of shifting matches, describing it as highly impractical. The official stated that altering venues at such a late stage would create a massive logistical challenge, as travel arrangements airline bookings hotel reservations broadcast schedules and team preparations have already been finalised. With three matches scheduled per day during the tournament and broadcasting crews operating across two countries any last-minute changes would disrupt the entire event structure.
The issue escalated further after the Bangladesh Sports Ministry instructed the BCB to seek relocation of World Cup matches. Government advisor Asif Nazrul publicly stated that if a contracted Bangladeshi cricketer could not safely play in India then the national team should not be expected to tour the country for a major international tournament. He confirmed that the board has been directed to formally request that Bangladesh’s matches be hosted in Sri Lanka instead.
Bangladesh are placed in Group A alongside England West Indies Nepal and Italy. Their fixtures are currently scheduled against West Indies on February 7 Italy on February 9 England on February 14 in Kolkata and Nepal on February 17 in Mumbai. As of now the ICC has not issued any official statement regarding a potential venue change.
With the T20 World Cup fast approaching cricket authorities fans and broadcasters will be closely monitoring developments as any decision could have far-reaching consequences for tournament planning regional relations and international cricket governance.