Last Updated:January 17, 2026, 21:01 IST
Bangladesh, who are placed in Group B and are slated to play in Kolkata and Mumbai, seek to be swapped with Ireland in an effort to play their games in Colombo and Kandy.
Bangladesh are scheduled to play all their group matches in India. (BCB/AFP)
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) called on the members of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to permit a swap in groups as the Bangla Tigers seek to feature in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh, who are grouped alongside West Indies, Italy and England in Group B, and are slated to play at Kolkata, seek to be swapped with Ireland, who are pooled alongside Sri Lanka, Australia and Oman in Group C, and are scheduled to play in Colombo.
“The BCB reiterated its formal request to the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka,” the board said in a statement issued on Saturday.
“The Board also shared the Bangladesh Government’s views and concerns on safety and security of the team, Bangladeshi fans, media and other stakeholders.”
“The discussions were conducted in a constructive, cordial and professional manner, with all parties engaging openly on the relevant issues,” the statement added.
“Among other points, the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group as a means of facilitating the matter with minimum logistical adjustments was discussed.”
India and Sri Lanka are scheduled to co-host the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup starting on February 7. However, the BCB has been firm in its request to move the league stage matches to Sri Lanka due to security concerns and rising tensions between Bangladesh and India.
This decision follows the BCCI’s request for the Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, the only player from his country, for the 2026 season, amidst reported atrocities against the minority Hindu community.
The BCB was represented in its meeting with the ICC by President Md Aminul Islam, Vice Presidents Md Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Cricket Operations Committee Chairman Nazmul Abedeen, and Chief Executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.
The ICC delegation included Gaurav Saxena, General Manager of Events and Corporate Communications, and Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager of the Integrity Unit.
First Published:
January 17, 2026, 20:15 IST
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