ICC Unlikely to Approve BCB’s Request to Move 2026 T20 World Cup Matches Out of India: Report

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to turn down the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) request to relocate its group-stage matches of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup away from India.

The ICC was scheduled to hold a call with BCB officials on Tuesday (January 6), during which the board was set to be urged to comply with the existing World Cup itinerary. With the tournament just weeks away, officials are reportedly concerned that any last-minute changes could disrupt logistics for an event of such scale.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the global body has taken a firm stance on adhering to the original tournament schedule despite rising diplomatic and sporting tensions between India and Bangladesh.

The situation escalated after the BCCI directed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, a move that coincided with growing anti-Bangladesh sentiment in India. The backdrop includes broader political unease, particularly over reports of attacks on the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.

On Monday, BCB president Aminul Islam publicly expressed concerns over the safety of the Bangladesh team, stating that the board did not feel "secure" sending its players to India under the current circumstances. With the T20 World Cup scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8, Bangladesh is slated to play its first three group matches in Kolkata, followed by its final group game in Mumbai. Any alteration at this stage could pose serious logistical challenges for tournament organisers.

In a formal communication to the ICC, the BCB stated, "Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and the growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India and considering the advice from the Bangladesh Government, the Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions."

The statement further added, "In light of this decision, the BCB has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC), as the event authority, to consider relocating all of Bangladesh's matches to a venue outside India."

While the ICC has not issued an official response, senior officials - including ICC chairman Jay Shah - were reportedly at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Monday to deliberate on the matter. As things stand, the governing body appears intent on preserving the tournament's original framework.