T20 World Cup 2026: BCB urge ICC to consider group swap with Ireland

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to consider a group swap ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The request was made during a meeting between BCB officials and ICC representatives in Dhaka on January 17.

According to Cricbuzz, the BCB proposed replacing Ireland in Group C, a move that would allow Bangladesh to play all of their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka. Ireland are currently scheduled to face Sri Lanka, Australia, and Oman in Colombo, with their final group match set to be played in Kandy against Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, have been placed in Group B and are slated to play three of their group matches in India, against West Indies, Italy, and England in Kolkata, before travelling to Mumbai to face Nepal. Following the discussions, the BCB released an official statement acknowledging the meeting with ICC officials

“The BCB reiterated its formal request to the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka. 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 statement read as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“The discussions were conducted in a constructive, cordial and professional manner, with all parties engaging openly on the relevant issues. 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,” it added.

Bangladesh’s reluctance to travel to India for the ICC T20 World Cup emerged after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of IPL 2026. His abrupt removal from the squad was said to have followed pressure from political and religious groups in India. The development triggered strong reactions in Bangladesh, with sports adviser Asif Nazrul urging the BCB to reconsider sending the national team to India for the global event.

Amid rising public and political pressure, Bangladesh’s sports ministry advised the BCB to formally approach the ICC to request that Bangladesh’s World Cup fixtures be moved away from Indian venues.

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