Bangladesh sends second letter to ICC to request T20 World Cup 2026 venue relocation

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally sent a second letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on January 8, which highlights their specific security concerns regarding their travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which is going to begin in less than a month. They have requested a change of venue to Sri Lanka, which will co-host the tournament.

Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play three group-stage games at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata against England, West Indies, and Italy before they make their way to the iconic Wonka Stadium in Mumbai for the last group-stage encounter against Nepal. However, they have refused to travel to India after their left-arm pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, was released from the IPL following the instructions of the BCCI.

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“Following discussions with sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul, the BCB has once again sent a communication to the ICC. The ICC wanted to know areas of security concern, and BCB has cited them.” The BCB source expressed the conditions as the reports suggested.

BCB again requests T20 World Cup 2026 venue relocation

The discussion has come amid the ongoing situation between the BCB and the ICC regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the world event, as the global body has maintained silence and asked for the exact nature of the clarity on the security concerns flagged by the Dhaka-based board. Mustafizur’s release followed incidents involving attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.

"In its communication, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament. The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the Board's inputs will be welcomed.” The BCB revealed.

There is one section of the board which Asif Nazrul headlined, stance of not playing the World Cup in India, while others keep the discussion with the ICC and the Indian authorities. Nonetheless, it will be a nightmare for the global body to fully relocate four group-stage games, along with the Super 8 clashes of Bangladesh from India to Sri Lanka in less than four weeks.