The International Cricket Council (ICC) has declined a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to move Bangladesh’s group-stage matches of the T20 World Cup 2026 from India to Sri Lanka.
The decision was communicated during a video conference held between ICC officials and senior BCB representatives on Tuesday. Bangladesh cited security concerns as the reason behind the request, with BCB President Md Aminul Islam and other board members reiterating their stance during the meeting.
The ICC, however, maintained that the tournament schedule has already been finalised and urged Bangladesh to reconsider its position. Despite this, the BCB confirmed through an official statement that it has not withdrawn its request and discussions with the ICC are ongoing.
The issue comes amid continued political tensions between India and Bangladesh, which have also begun affecting commercial aspects of Bangladeshi cricket. Reports suggest that sponsorship renewals involving top Bangladesh players have been put on hold by Indian companies.
Sporting goods manufacturer SG, which sponsors several Bangladesh cricketers including captain Litton Das, has reportedly delayed contract renewals. Another Indian brand, Sareen Sports Industries (SS), has also reduced manufacturing ties with Bangladesh due to the strained relationship.
With less than a month remaining before the T20 World Cup begins, uncertainty remains over Bangladesh’s participation logistics, even as the ICC insists there will be no changes to the existing tournament plan.
