The International Cricket Council is examining possible changes to the venues for Bangladesh Cricket Board matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup, following a formal request from Bangladesh citing security concerns.
India and Sri Lanka are scheduled to co-host the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. Bangladesh’s cricket board recently wrote to the ICC, asking that its matches be shifted to Sri Lanka amid rising tensions between the two neighbouring countries. According to BCB officials, the ICC has acknowledged the request and assured them that the matter is under consideration.
ICC exploring alternative venues
Recent media reports suggest that while Sri Lanka was Bangladesh’s preferred alternative, the ICC is instead evaluating Indian venues as a possible solution. Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram have reportedly emerged as potential options, replacing the originally assigned venues of Kolkata and Mumbai. However, no official announcement has been made by the ICC so far.
The ICC, as the tournament’s governing body, is understood to be assessing logistical, security and operational aspects before taking a final call. Any change would require coordination with the host board and other stakeholders involved in the tournament schedule.
BCCI says no communication received
Reacting to the reports, Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Devajit Saikia said the Indian board has not received any formal communication from the ICC regarding a venue change for Bangladesh’s matches.
“The BCCI has not received any update about shifting Bangladesh matches to Chennai or any other venue. This matter is between the BCB and the ICC, as the ICC is the governing authority,” Saikia said in a statement to IANS. “If the ICC communicates any decision to us, the BCCI, as a host, will take the necessary steps. At present, we are not aware of any such development.”
Bangladesh’s current schedule
As per the existing fixture list, Bangladesh are set to play three group matches in Kolkata — against the West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14. The team is then scheduled to travel to Mumbai to face Nepal on February 17.
For now, the schedule remains unchanged, with the ICC expected to take a final decision after consultations with all concerned boards.
