In order to play in Sri Lanka rather than India at the forthcoming T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested on Saturday that the ICC switch its national squad with Ireland in Group C.
Bangladesh, the West Indies, Italy, England, and Nepal are now in Group C, and their matches are slated to take place in Kolkata and Mumbai.
Ireland will play matches in Colombo and Pallekele with Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman, and Zimbabwe in Group B.
Gaurav Saxena, General Manager, Events and Corporate Communications, and Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager, Integrity Unit, made up the two-person ICC delegation that was in Dhaka to persuade BCB to adhere to the original timeline and the security measures in India.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today held a meeting with representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to discuss matters relating to Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” said the BCB in a release after the meeting with ICC delegates.
Saxena joined virtually after failing to obtain a Bangladesh visa in time, but Ephgrave physically attended the meeting.
“During the discussions, 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 BCB added.
The meeting was attended by President Muhammad Aminul Islam of the BCB, Vice Presidents Md. Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Director and Chairman of the Cricket Operations Committee Nazmul Abedeen, and Chief Executive Officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.
However, it has been learned that the ICC is hesitant to grant Bangladesh’s request due to the logical limitations and the significant schedule adjustments that will need to be made later in the competition.
Under the guise of a supposed security risk to its players, Bangladesh has been requesting that the international governing body move its World Cup matches, which are set to take place in Kolkata and Mumbai.
After national team pacer Mustafizur Rahman was suddenly released from his IPL contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders due to a BCCI mandate, the BCB made this demand.
The BCB stated that further discussions will soon take place in an effort to resolve the issue amicably.
“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. The BCB and the ICC have agreed to continue engaging in constructive dialogue on this matter,” it noted.
