ICC moves Bangladesh matches from India, new schedule likely

The International Cricket Council has begun the process of moving Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup from India due to security concerns. Indian media outlet The Indian Express reported that the move is underway.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board wrote to the ICC on Sunday, January 4, requesting a venue change. On the same day, a Cricbuzz report said the ICC is positive about shifting Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka.

Although no meeting was held on Sunday due to a weekly holiday, The Indian Express reported on Monday that the ICC has started working on a revised schedule following the BCB’s request.

Bangladesh were scheduled to play West Indies in the tournament opener on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, followed by matches against Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 at the same venue. Their final group match against Nepal was set for February 16 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

If all four Bangladesh matches are moved to Sri Lanka, some Group B matches may still be held in India. Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, Oman and Zimbabwe are in Group B. As hosts, Sri Lanka will play their group matches at home, while some fixtures involving the other teams may take place in India.