ICC considering alternate Indian venues for Bangladesh

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly exploring alternate venues within India to host Bangladesh’s matches during the T20 World Cup 2026, amid an ongoing standoff with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over security concerns.

The request came after Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following a recommendation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), amid concerns over player safety.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India have not received any update from the International Cricket Council regarding a reported shift in venue for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches, stating that it’s a matter of discussion between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the ICC. India and Sri Lanka are set to co-host the T20 World Cup, starting February 7.

However, BCB wrote a letter to the ICC requesting that its matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns amid growing tensions between the two neighboring nations.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul reiterated that the board will remain steadfast on its stance over the security of the Bangladesh contingent for the ICC T20 World Cup.