The International Cricket Council and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are still divided over where Bangladesh should play their matches in the T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, the ICC is keen on hosting Bangladesh in India, while the BCB continues to push for a neutral venue, with Sri Lanka as their preferred option.
There is uncertainty about where Bangladesh will play their matches at the T20 World Cup, with the issue still not settled just over three weeks before the tournament begins. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has repeatedly asked the ICC to shift all of its fixtures away from India due to security concerns for players.
ICC Considering Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram as Venues for Bangladesh’s Matches
According to Cricbuzz, the International Cricket Council is checking other venue options for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches. However, Sri Lanka is unlikely to be approved, even though Bangladesh want to play there.
The report stated the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India, who are co-hosting the World Cup, have spoken to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and the Kerala Cricket Association. They are exploring the option of hosting Bangladesh’s games in Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram.
Both state associations have shown interest in hosting the matches. MA Chidambaram Stadium, also known as Chepauk, is already a World Cup venue and is set to host seven matches, including a possible India vs Australia Super 8 clash.
Officials from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association have told the ICC and BCCI that hosting extra games will not be an issue, as the stadium has eight pitches available.
Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Venue Uncertainty Continues Amid Security Concerns
Bangladesh are scheduled to play three group-stage matches of the T20 World Cup in Kolkata. They will face the West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14, before travelling to Mumbai to play Nepal on February 17.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board raised security concerns about touring India after the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman. Bangladesh have since written twice to the ICC, requesting that their matches be shifted to another venue.
The ICC has not responded yet and is expected to take a decision on Monday, January 12. However, with the tournament starting on February 7, moving Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka appears unlikely due to tight timelines and logistical challenges.
The BCCI Has Not Received Any Communication – Devajit Saikia
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not received any update about a possible venue change for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches. Saikia stated that the matter is being handled between the BCB and the ICC.
“The BCCI has not received any communication regarding the matter of shifting Bangladesh matches to Chennai or anywhere else, and it is beyond our control,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told IANS.
“It is a matter of communication between the BCB and the ICC, as the ICC is the governing body. If the ICC conveys any decision to us regarding a change of venue, the BCCI, as the host, will take the necessary steps. At present, we are not privy to any such information,” he added.
Also read: Bangladesh umpire freely officiates in India vs New Zealand ODIs as BCB cries ‘security threat’
