T20 World Cup 2026: No security 'red flags'... ICC rejects Bangladesh's request to shift venues.

Posted on 7th Jan 2026 by rohit kumar

The ICC (International Cricket Council) has rejected Bangladesh's request to change the venue for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had requested that their matches be shifted from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns, but the ICC has clearly stated that Bangladesh must play the tournament in India. If they fail to do so, they will face point deductions.

 

 

'No change in venue,' ICC rejects Bangladesh's demand

According to an ESPN Cricinfo report, a virtual meeting was held between ICC and BCB officials on Tuesday. In this meeting, the ICC made it clear that there would be no change in the match venues.

 

 

The ICC has told the BCB in no uncertain terms that the Bangladesh senior men's team must tour India to play their scheduled matches. If the team does not do so, they will suffer a loss of points.

 

 

Understanding the whole matter

It is worth noting that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had written a formal letter to the ICC on Sunday, January 4, 2025, requesting that their matches be shifted to Sri Lanka. The BCB cited security concerns as the reason for this request.

 

 

However, the ICC found no 'red flags' regarding security arrangements in India and refused to change the venue. Currently, neither board has issued an official statement regarding this meeting.

 

 

Meanwhile, the IPL team KKR recently released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman at the behest of the BCCI. The BCCI took this decision due to domestic protests, as there is anger among the Indian people over the atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh.

 

 

There were protests even when Rahman was bought for over 9 crore rupees in the IPL auction. When the BCCI released Rahman, the Bangladesh government intervened in the matter.

 

 

Following this, the Bangladesh Cricket Board threatened to boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on February 7, and demanded that their matches be shifted from India to Sri Lanka. Not only that, but Bangladesh also banned the broadcasting of the IPL, but the ICC has made it clear that Bangladesh will have to come to India for the World Cup.

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