BCB Request ICC Again to Move World Cup Matches Out of India

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has sent a second formal request to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate the national team's 2026 T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka.

The move follows a series of high-level meetings between board directors and Government Adviser for Youth and Sports, Asif Nazrul, who has remained vocal about his opposition to playing in India.

"We will not compromise on the safety of our cricketers or the dignity of Bangladesh," Nazrul said following a meeting on Wednesday. "India is not a safe environment for us right now. We want to play in Sri Lanka, an alternative host that offers a more secure atmosphere."

The venue dispute intensified after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently directed the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to drop Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.2 The BCB viewed this move as a signal that even contracted players are not welcome or safe across the border.

The board's concerns extend beyond the 15-member squad at risk to the national team in a perceived hostile environment. Concerns for traveling Bangladeshi journalists, sponsors, and fans. A refusal to participate under conditions seen as discriminatory or unsafe.

The ICC previously rejected the BCB’s initial relocation plea, citing the immense logistical challenge of moving matches just one month before the tournament begins on February 7.

Reports suggest the ICC has warned the BCB that failure to travel to India could result in the forfeiture of points for their Group C matches.8 However, the BCB has denied receiving any such formal "ultimatum" and remains hopeful that a "practical solution" can be reached by Saturday.

Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play its opening three matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata—against the West Indies, Italy, and England—before traveling to Mumbai to face Nepal.