ICC Rejects Bangladesh Request to Shift T20 World Cup Matches from India

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down Bangladesh’s request to relocate its upcoming T20 World Cup fixtures from India, effectively closing the door on any last-minute venue changes for the tournament.

According to media reports, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had sought a shift citing concerns over player safety amid rising diplomatic and political tensions between the two neighbouring countries. However, after reviewing the appeal, the ICC reportedly found no compelling grounds to alter the existing schedule.

The issue surfaced shortly after Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Rahman’s participation in the IPL had become controversial after reports emerged of violence against members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh last December, prompting criticism of his inclusion in the tournament.

Rahman had attracted widespread attention at the December 2025 mini-auction when KKR signed him for a record Rs 9.20 crore, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history. His signing followed an intense bidding contest involving Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, from a base price of Rs 2 crore.

In the wake of his removal from the IPL squad, the BCB formally approached the ICC, requesting that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches scheduled in India be moved to another venue. The appeal was reportedly raised in a virtual meeting of the ICC, which is currently headed by Jay Shah.

Sources familiar with the discussions said the governing body saw no justification for altering the venues so close to the start of the tournament. The ICC is also understood to have informed Bangladesh that it must travel to India as per the existing schedule or risk forfeiting points.

While Bangladesh has flagged concerns about the safety of its players, Indian authorities have previously highlighted incidents of violence against Hindu minorities in the neighbouring country. At the same time, observers note that Bangladesh has largely refrained from issuing official statements on reported attacks against Muslim minorities in India in recent years.

A BCCI official, quoted by media outlets, described the prospect of shifting matches at this stage as “next to impossible,” given the extensive logistical arrangements already in place.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7, just a month away, and will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka until March 8. Bangladesh is set to play four league matches: against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14 in Kolkata, before concluding its group stage against Nepal on February 17 in Mumbai.

If Bangladesh were to withdraw from matches hosted in India, tournament organisers could face a significant financial setback. While no official estimate has been released, projected losses are believed to range between Rs 12 crore and Rs 30 crore.

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