With the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (PCB) at loggerheads, uncertainty over Bangladesh’s venues for the upcoming T20 World Cup has deepened.
With just three weeks left for the tournament, it is still unclear whether Bangladesh will travel to India for its scheduled matches.
Amid political tensions between India and Bangladesh, the PCB has formally requested the ICC to shift all its matches to Sri Lanka, citing player safety concerns.
Sources indicate that while the ICC is exploring alternative venues, these are unlikely to be in Sri Lanka against BCB’s wishes.
Officials of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (DNCA) and Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) have reportedly approached the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about hosting Bangladesh’s matches in Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram.
With Chepak Stadium already slated to host seven World Cup matches, including the India-Australia ‘Super 8’ clash, both associations have reportedly expressed interest in hosting the matches.
With eight pitches, TNCA officials are said to have assured that hosting extra matches will not be an issue.
As per the current schedule, Bangladesh, who were drawn in Group C, will play their first three group games in Kolkata – West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 – before concluding their group stage against Nepal on February 17 in Mumbai.
After the BCCI instructed IPL owner Kolkata Knight Riders to drop fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, the PCB has formally requested a change of venue twice, raising security concerns over the trip to India.
The ICC is yet to issue a formal response, which is expected on Monday, January 12.
However, with the matches still a few weeks away, the chances of shifting Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka are slim due to logistical challenges.
Bangladesh Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup:
Liton Kumar Das (catch), Saif Hasan (VC), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Eman, Tawhid Hridoi, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nazoom Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Dansim, Shoful Ahmad Islam.