The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to reject the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to relocate the Bangladesh national team’s T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. Instead, the ICC is expected to propose Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram as alternative venues within India, with a formal response anticipated between Monday and Tuesday, January 12–13, 2026.

Bangladesh had formally approached the ICC to shift their scheduled group matches, originally set in Kolkata and Mumbai, following the release of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders on the recommendation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCB argued that the decision reflected potential security risks for their players in India. However, the ICC is unlikely to approve a move outside the host nation and is focusing on internal adjustments to address the concerns.

Earlier, BCB president Aminul Islam indicated that Chennai had been discussed as a possible option but noted that any final decision would require consultation with the Bangladesh government. He emphasized that the matter was not solely in the BCB’s hands. The Bangladeshi government has also expressed a desire for direct assurances from Indian authorities regarding player safety during the tournament, which is less than four weeks away.

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In a move that could strengthen the ICC’s position, the governing body is likely to highlight the recent participation of Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat, who officiated the first ODI between India and New Zealand in Vadodara on January 11, 2026. Saikat, along with fellow umpire Gazi Sohel, is also expected to serve as a match official during the T20 World Cup, which the ICC may present as evidence of a secure environment for Bangladeshi personnel in India.

With teams scheduled to arrive for practice sessions in the first week of February 2026, the ICC is prioritizing a swift resolution to the ongoing venue dispute. The proposed alternatives of Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram are seen as practical options that maintain the integrity of the tournament’s hosting structure while addressing logistical and security considerations. The outcome of the ICC’s response this week will be crucial in determining Bangladesh’s participation plans as the marquee event approaches.

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