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ICC rejects Bangladesh's request to relocate matches from India
Bangladesh's participation in next month's T20 World Cup remains uncertain after the International Cricket Council (ICC) dismissed the country's plea to move its group-stage fixtures from India to Sri Lanka, citing no valid security concerns.
Safety fears drive relocation demand
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally requested the change, arguing that escalating political tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi posed risks to players, supporters, and media personnel. Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside India, was proposed as the alternative venue.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ICC stated there was "an absence of any credible security threat" and gave the BCB a 24-hour deadline to consult with the Bangladeshi government and confirm its stance.
BCB president vows to pursue Sri Lanka option
BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul responded defiantly, insisting the team would only compete if matches were relocated. "Our only demand is to play the World Cup-but not in India," he said. "We will return to the ICC with our plan to play in Sri Lanka."
Bulbul also warned that excluding Bangladesh-a cricket-mad nation of 200 million-would cost the ICC significant viewership. "They did give us a 24-hour ultimatum, but a global body can't really do that. It will be their loss," he added.
Government backs relocation, citing security risks
Asif Nazrul, an adviser to Bangladesh's interim government on youth and sports, reinforced the BCB's position. "There is no scope for changing our decision," he said. "It is crucial to weigh the loss of not playing against the potential catastrophe of pushing players, fans, and journalists into a risky regional political situation."
Nazrul emphasized that the government, not the cricket board, holds the authority to assess whether citizens face security threats abroad.
Scotland could benefit if Bangladesh withdraws
Should the ICC replace Bangladesh, Scotland-ranked highest among non-automatic qualifiers-stands to gain a late entry into the tournament. The T20 World Cup, running from 7 February to 8 March, features four group-stage matches for Bangladesh, three of which are scheduled in Kolkata (including a high-profile fixture against England on 14 February) and one in Mumbai.
Tournament schedule unchanged-for now
As of Thursday, the ICC has not announced any alterations to the tournament's schedule or venues. The governing body has yet to respond to Bangladesh's latest proposal to shift matches to Sri Lanka.
