T20 World Cup 2026: ICC Rejects Bangladesh’s Request to Shift Matches from India Amid Political Tensions
New Delhi, January 7, 2026 – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Bangladesh’s plea to relocate its T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage matches from India to Sri Lanka, according to reports from ESPNcricinfo and multiple sources. Bangladesh must play in India as scheduled or risk forfeiting points.
The controversy erupted after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad, citing “recent developments” amid reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), backed by the government’s sports ministry, cited player safety concerns and formally requested the ICC to shift all matches outside India. Bangladesh also banned IPL broadcasts in the country.
However, the ICC has stood firm on the original schedule, with Bangladesh set to play three group matches in Kolkata (vs West Indies on Feb 7, Italy on Feb 9, England on Feb 14) and one in Mumbai (vs Nepal).
The BCB is awaiting an official ICC response, but sources indicate no venue change is forthcoming due to logistical challenges just weeks before the tournament begins on February 7.
This escalating row highlights deepening political tensions impacting cricket ties between the neighbors. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
