Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday formally rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to shift the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.
According to the apex body, the decision was taken in a virtual board meeting convened to discuss Bangladesh’s request for a change of venue.
“The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will go ahead as planned with Bangladesh’s matches in India,” the apex body said in a statement.
The decision was taken following an ICC board meeting on Wednesday, January 21 via video conference, after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (PCB) requested to shift its matches from India to Sri Lanka.
The ICC also reiterated that there is no threat to Bangladesh players, media personnel and fans at the T20 World Cup 2026 venues in India.
“It is impossible to make changes so close to the tournament, and changing the schedule in the absence of a credible security threat could set a precedent that could affect the sanctity of future ICC events and undermine its neutrality as a global governing body,” the statement continued.
“ICC management engaged in a series of correspondence and meetings with the BCB in an effort to resolve the impasse, sharing detailed information about the event security plan, including tiered federal and state law enforcement support.”
Bangladesh, drawn in Group C, are scheduled to play their first three group matches in Kolkata against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 before concluding the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.
Meanwhile, the PCB, which is said to announce its final decision on January 21 following the ICC’s stern verdict on the situation, is yet to comment on the development.