Dhaka

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday held discussions on the BCB’s request to shift Bangladesh’s matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 to venues outside India, with both sides agreeing to continue “constructive dialogue” on the matter.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7, with matches to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka.

According to a BCB press release, the meeting focused on Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament, including the possibility of relocating the team’s matches to Sri Lanka or moving Bangladesh to a different group to minimise logistical adjustments.

“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 regarding the safety and security of the team, Bangladeshi fans, media and other stakeholders,” the release said.

The discussions were held in “a constructive, cordial and professional manner, with all parties engaging openly on the relevant issues,” it added.

“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 release said.

The ICC delegation included Gaurav Saxena, General Manager (Events and Corporate Communications), and Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager of the Integrity Unit. Saxena joined the meeting virtually after receiving his visa later than anticipated, while Ephgrave attended in person.

From the BCB, those present included President Md Aminul Islam, 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.

“The BCB and the ICC have agreed to continue engaging in constructive dialogue on this matter,” the release said.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have witnessed some strain in recent months over incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. The BCB had earlier urged the ICC to relocate its matches outside India citing safety and security concerns.

The request followed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asking Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad amid concerns in India over reports of atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.

However, ICC sources said that independent risk assessments conducted by internationally recognised security experts have not concluded that Bangladesh cannot play its scheduled matches in India.

According to the sources, the overall security risk for the tournament in India has been assessed as low to moderate, consistent with other major global sporting events, with no specific or direct threat identified to the Bangladesh team, officials or match venues in Kolkata and Mumbai.

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The sources added that any risks identified can be effectively managed through established security planning and mitigation measures.