ICC considering alternate Indian venues for Bangladesh: Reports

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to respond this week to a formal request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to shift their T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.

The request came after Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders following a recommendation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), amid concerns over player safety.

Despite the request, sources suggest the ICC is unlikely to approve a move to Sri Lanka because of logistical challenges, with less than four weeks to go before the tournament starts on February 7. Reports from Cricbuzz, NDTV, and Business Standard indicate that while the ICC is considering alternate Indian venues, a full relocation of Bangladesh’s fixtures to Sri Lanka remains unlikely.

Instead, the ICC is reportedly exploring alternative venues within India. Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram have emerged as potential fallback options.

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has indicated it can accommodate additional matches at MA Chidambaram Stadium, citing the availability of eight prepared pitches. The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has also expressed willingness to host fixtures in Thiruvananthapuram.

Currently, Bangladesh’s group-stage matches are scheduled as follows:

vs West Indies – February 7, Kolkata

vs Italy – February 9, Kolkata

vs England – February 14, Kolkata

vs Nepal – February 17, Mumbai
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul reiterated that the board will remain steadfast on its stance over the security of the Bangladesh contingent for the ICC T20 World Cup.

Speaking at a school cricket event at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday evening, Bulbul said the board is yet to receive any reply from International Cricket Council (ICC) and is awaiting guidance, expected by Monday or thereafter.

With teams set to arrive in early February for practice sessions, the ICC is under pressure to quickly finalize venue arrangements to avoid disruption to the tournament schedule.