The International Cricket Council and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are still divided over where Bangladesh should play its matches in the T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, the ICC is keen to host Bangladesh in India, while the BCB is pushing for a neutral venue, with Sri Lanka being their preferred option.
There is uncertainty over where Bangladesh will play their matches in the T20 World Cup, with the issue still unresolved three weeks before the tournament begins. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has repeatedly asked the ICC to shift all its fixtures away from India due to player safety concerns.
ICC is considering Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram as venues for Bangladesh matches.
According to Cricbuzz, the International Cricket Council is examining other venue options for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches. However, Sri Lanka is unlikely to get the nod, even if Bangladesh wants to play there.
The report said the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India, which is 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 the state associations have shown interest in hosting the matches. The MA Chidambaram Stadium, also known as Chepauk, is already a World Cup venue and is set to host seven matches, including a potential India vs Australia Super 8 clash.
Tamil Nadu Cricket Association officials have told the ICC and BCCI that hosting additional games will not be an issue, as the stadium has eight pitches available.
Uncertainty continues over Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup venue amid security concerns
Bangladesh has to play three group-stage matches of the T20 World Cup in Kolkata. They will face West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 before traveling to Mumbai to play Nepal on February 17.
Bangladesh Cricket Board raised security concerns over India tour after BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. After this, Bangladesh has written letters to ICC twice requesting that their matches be shifted to some other venue.
The ICC has not yet responded and is expected to make a decision on Monday, January 12. However, with the tournament starting on February 7, it does not seem possible to shift Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka due to tight timelines and logistical challenges.
BCCI did not receive any information – Devjit Saikia
BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia said the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not received any update regarding the possible venue change for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches. Saikia said that this matter is going on between BCB and ICC.
“BCCI has not received any communication regarding shifting of Bangladesh matches to Chennai or anywhere else and it is beyond our control,” BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia told IANS.
He said, “It is a matter of communication between BCB and ICC, as ICC is the governing body. If ICC gives us any decision regarding change of venue, then BCCI as host will take necessary steps. At present, we are not aware of any such information.”
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