The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) responded to growing speculation around a possible change in locations for Bangladeshmatches of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The reaction comes amid reports suggesting the ICC is evaluating two alternative Indian venues for Bangladesh’s fixtures. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Reports point to two alternative Indian locations
Several reports on Monday claimed that the ICC was exploring alternative venues within India instead of shifting Bangladesh’s games to Sri Lanka. Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram have been named as potential replacement options Kolkata and mumbaiwill currently host Bangladesh’s group stage games.
BCCI reacts to news of ICC’s ‘2 venue’ solution
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia The Indian board said it was in the dark about any proposed changes, stressing that the matter was not within the BCCI’s purview at this stage. According to Saikia, the power to take decisions on the venues of global tournaments rests with the ICC alone and the host council can act only after receiving official instructions.
He made it clear that the BCCI is strictly following the existing tournament schedule and that Bangladesh’s matches have not been shifted from the designated venues. Saikia noted that any report to the contrary is speculative until confirmed by the ICC.
“BCCI has not received any information regarding the issue of shifting Bangladesh matches to Chennai or any other venue and it is beyond our control. This is a matter of communication between BCB and ICC as ICC is the governing body. If ICC conveys any decision to us regarding shifting of venue, BCCI, as the host, will not provide such information.” Saikia told IANS.
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Bangladesh’s security concerns and the ICC response
The issue came to light after the BCB wrote to the BCC requesting that Bangladesh’s group stage games be moved out of India due to security concerns stemming from diplomatic tensions in the region. Sri Lanka was cited as Bangladesh’s preferred alternative destination. In its correspondence, the BCB stated that it had received approval from the ICC with the assurance that the matter would be reviewed. However, no final decision was announced by the ICC, leaving room for speculation about possible amendments.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Bangladesh writes to ICC over security concerns in India
