Report: ICC denies Bangladesh’s venue change request for 2026 T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council(ICC) has made it clear to the Bangladesh Cricket Board that there will be no change to the schedule or venues of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Bangladesh had requested to shift their matches in the marquee event outside India. 

According to the ICC’s independent risk assessments, conducted by internationally recognised security experts, claim that there is no specific threat to the Bangladesh team in India, and the overall threat level is low to moderate. 

"It is important to clarify that the ICC's independent risk assessments, carried out by internationally recognised security experts, do not conclude that Bangladesh cannot play its scheduled matches in India," an ICC source was quoted qs saying by Cricbuzz.

"The overall security risk for the tournament in India has been assessed as low to moderate, which is consistent with the profile of many major global sporting events," the source said. 

The source further added that the governing body has full confidence in the BCCI and the local authorities, and there is not much to worry about when it comes to the security of Bangladesh players and the officials. 

"The ICC has full confidence in the security arrangements being developed in close collaboration with the BCCI and relevant local authorities, who have a strong and proven track record of safely delivering major international sporting events,” the source added. 

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had formally asked for the relocation based on player safety, following tensions surrounding Mustafizur’s release from the IPL earlier this season. But with less than a month to go before the World Cup, the ICC is standing firm that teams must honour the fixtures and travel plans.

'I hope that Bangladesh cricket’s interests are prioritised' - Tamim Iqbal sceptical of BCB’s stand 

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal had a cautious reaction to the ongoing uncertainties surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in the mega event. He has cautioned against the hard-line approach to the situation, citing that it may impact Bangladesh Cricket in future. 

“Today’s decisions will have an impact ten years down the line, so decisions should be taken by considering what is best for Bangladesh cricket and for Bangladeshi players - that is what I personally believe. Whatever the final decision is, I only hope that Bangladesh cricket’s interests are prioritized above everything else, and that the future of Bangladesh cricket is carefully considered” the left-hander was quoted as saying by Firstpost. 

For the unversed, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to start on 7 February and is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.