With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 still some time away, a fresh controversy has already stirred discussion in the cricketing world. At the center of it is Bangladesh, whose request to move its matches away from India has reportedly been turned down by the ICC.
The issue came to light after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that it had formally approached the ICC, asking for its Group C matches to be shifted from India to co-host Sri Lanka. The request was made earlier this month and the board made it clear that the appeal was officially communicated to cricket’s global governing body. However, reports now suggest that the ICC has rejected this proposal.
According to information emerging from a recent virtual meeting, the ICC conveyed to Bangladesh officials that the request could not be approved, citing security-related concerns. The governing body reportedly made it clear that Bangladesh would be expected to travel to India for their scheduled matches as part of the tournament structure or it will lose match points. However as per the same media reports, the BCB has strongly denied receiving any such warning or ultimatum.
As things stand, Bangladesh is scheduled to play all four of its Group C matches in India. The team is set to begin its campaign at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, where it will face West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14. For their final group-stage match against Nepal on February 17, the team is expected to travel to Mumbai.
The timing of Bangladesh’s request raised eyebrows, as it came just a day after the BCCI instructed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. Mustafizur, one of Bangladesh’s most experienced T20 bowlers with over 400 wickets in the format and a standout international record, had been picked up for a significant sum at the IPL 2026 auction held in Abu Dhabi.
His signing, however, became a talking point off the field, drawing criticism amid broader political and social tensions involving Bangladesh. Mustafizur Rahman, who has previously represented multiple IPL franchises, was notably the only Bangladeshi player bought at the auction.
With the ICC standing firm on its decision, all eyes are now on how Bangladesh navigates the situation as preparations for the global tournament continue.
