The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally rejected Bangladesh’s request to relocate their matches away from India for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, confirming that the tournament schedule will remain unchanged.
Bangladesh had approached the global governing body seeking permission to move their group-stage fixtures out of India, citing safety concerns linked to escalating political tensions between the two neighbouring countries. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) proposed that their matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside India.
However, the ICC ruled against the request, stating that there was no credible security threat to justify altering the schedule so close to the start of the competition. In a statement released on Wednesday, the ICC explained that approving such a move would create a problematic precedent for future international tournaments.
The governing body stressed that logistical constraints were a key factor in the decision, with the tournament set to begin on 7 February. According to the ICC, making significant changes to venues and fixtures at this late stage would not only disrupt preparations but also undermine the integrity and planning framework of ICC events.
“It was not feasible to make changes so close to the tournament,” the ICC said. “Altering the schedule under the circumstances, in the absence of any credible security threat, could set a precedent that would jeopardise the sanctity of future ICC events.”
The decision follows reports in Indian media suggesting that Bangladesh had been given a deadline to confirm their participation under the existing arrangements or risk being excluded from the tournament altogether. Those reports claimed Bangladesh were told to agree to play their matches in India by Wednesday.
Under the current schedule, Bangladesh are set to play all four of their group-stage matches in India. Their campaign is due to begin on the opening day of the tournament against West Indies, before further fixtures including a high-profile clash against England in Kolkata on 14 February.
While the ICC has insisted there is no security risk warranting a change, the situation has drawn comparisons with Pakistan’s arrangement for the same tournament. Due to longstanding political tensions between India and Pakistan, all of Pakistan’s matches will be played in Sri Lanka, a compromise that was agreed upon well in advance of the event.
Bangladesh’s request, however, came much closer to the start of the competition, which appears to have played a major role in the ICC’s refusal. Tournament logistics, broadcasting commitments, ticketing, and team travel plans are already locked in, leaving little room for last-minute alterations.
Despite the ICC’s stance, uncertainty remains over Bangladesh’s participation. Speaking to reporters after a domestic match on Tuesday, Bangladesh captain Litton Das admitted that the team’s involvement in the World Cup was still not fully confirmed.
“At the moment, it’s uncertain,” Das said, reflecting the unease within the Bangladesh camp following the ICC’s decision.
The situation places the Bangladesh Cricket Board in a difficult position. With the ICC unwilling to adjust the schedule and the tournament fast approaching, Bangladesh must now decide whether to compete under the existing arrangements or risk withdrawing from one of the sport’s biggest global events.
A withdrawal would have significant consequences, both competitively and politically. Bangladesh are currently ranked among the stronger sides in T20 cricket and their absence would affect the balance of the tournament. It could also strain relations between the BCB and the ICC, as well as impact future participation and funding.
Historically, cricket has often been influenced by political tensions in the region, particularly involving India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. While the ICC has attempted to keep sport and politics separate, logistical compromises—such as Pakistan playing all matches in Sri Lanka—highlight the challenges faced by tournament organisers.
In this case, however, the ICC appears determined to draw a line, emphasising that decisions must be based on verifiable security assessments rather than political or diplomatic pressure. By rejecting Bangladesh’s request, the governing body has reinforced its position that tournament integrity and consistency must take precedence.
With just weeks to go until the first ball is bowled, attention will now turn to Bangladesh’s final decision. Whether they ultimately take the field in India or opt out of the competition remains to be seen, but the ICC has made it clear that the schedule will not be changed.
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