ICC likely to suggest THESE 2 venues to BCB, not Pakistan, Sri Lanka, name is…
Following the release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the suggestion of BCCI, BCB had formally approached the ICC with a view to shifting their games from India to Sri Lanka.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to address the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to move the national team’s 2026 T20 World Cup matches to India, citing security concerns. Following the release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the recommendation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the BCB had formally approached the ICC with a view to shifting their games from India to Sri Lanka.
Security concerns accelerated demand for venue change
BCB’s decision to request a change of venue stems from concerns about the security arrangements of the Bangladesh team in India. The request was made amid speculation that the BCCI had proposed Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram as alternative venues for the Bangladesh matches. However, the ICC is reportedly unlikely to accept BCB’s request, with Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram being suggested as possible alternatives.
Bangladesh government to consult with Indian officials
BCB chairman Aminul Islam stated that the decision to change the venue will be taken in consultation with the Bangladesh government, which is awaiting direct communication from the Indian government regarding security concerns. “As you know we are not taking the decisions regarding this World Cup alone, we will discuss it with the government and we are still where we are,” Islam told reporters in Sylhet. he said.
The ICC is likely to cite the presence of Bangladesh umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat, who officiated the first ODI match between India and New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday, as an example of the country’s ability to ensure the safety of the team in India. Saikat and Gazi Sohel are expected to feature as match officials in the T20 World Cup and the ICC may point to this as evidence that Bangladesh’s security concerns are misplaced.
Tension increases as the tournament approaches
With less than four weeks to go before the start of the T20 World Cup, the ICC is determined to resolve the venue dispute as soon as possible. Opposing teams are scheduled to arrive for training in the first week of February and the ICC is under pressure to resolve the issue immediately. The situation remains stable with BCB and ICC holding talks regarding the venue change request.
