Two New Venues for Bangladesh? ICC may relocate T20 World Cup 2026 Matches Here!

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are entangled over the T20 World Cup venue row as the apex body of world cricket is yet to approve BCB's demands.

BCB, in the wake of recent geopolitical tension with India, requested for a relocation of their matches out of India for security reasons. The issue rose after BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad amid growing protest over his inclusion due to minority killings in Bangladesh.

ICC rebuffed BCB's demands, who in turn, sent a second formal letter to ICC requesting change in venues. The BCB officials have repeatedly said that they won't play on Indian soil, which may compromise their players' security. Although ICC have assured all security measures, the impasse continues between the two parties.

But as per latest reports, ICC is exploring two other venues to host Bangladesh matches. As per Cricbuzz, it has already reached out to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and the Kerala Cricket Association to host Bangladesh's matches in the group stages.

Bangladesh were set to play all of their group stage matches in Kolkata, barring one, which was scheduled in Mumbai. But Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram are being shortlisted as potential venues for the matches. The report says TNCA has tendered their interest to host the matches. Chennai is already a venue and will host a number of matches, including a potential Super 8 match of the Indian team. Thiruvananthapuram, meanwhile, is not a prior venue, and is extremely interested in being part of the T20 World Cup extravaganza. The Greenfield Stadium is a fantastic venue and it can accommodate the Bangladesh matches.

Will Bangladesh have their wish to move matches out of India?

Although ICC is yet to formally reply to BCB's second letter, it is likely that their demand will be denied again. The main reason is the logistical constraints so close to the tournament.