BCB again requests ICC to shift World Cup matches from India
The ICC had earlier told the BCB that changing venues just a month before the tournament would be difficult
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has sent a second formal letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) requesting that Bangladesh's matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup be moved from India to Sri Lanka, reports Prothom Alo.
A BCB director confirmed the development to the daily yesterday (8 January), saying the board is now awaiting the ICC's response.
The ICC had earlier told the BCB that changing venues just a month before the tournament would be difficult and assured that adequate security arrangements would be in place, dismissing concerns raised about playing in India.
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However, the global body also said it would consider any additional submissions once the tournament's full security plan is finalised.
The BCB hopes to receive a response to its latest request by Saturday.
Earlier on 4 January, the BCB formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate all of the national team's 2026 T20 World Cup matches out of India.
Following the request, the board later confirmed that the ICC formally responded to Bangladesh's concerns regarding the safety and security of the national team.
According to the BCB, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring Bangladesh's 'full and uninterrupted participation' and has expressed a willingness to work closely with the board on detailed security planning.
Following the ICC's initial response, BCB President Aminul Islam and several board directors met Law, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul on Wednesday.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, the adviser reiterated his opposition to Bangladesh playing World Cup matches in India.
"There is no situation to play safely in India. We will not compromise on Bangladesh's dignity. Sri Lanka is an alternative host country and we want to play there. We do not want to play World Cup cricket at the cost of the country's dignity," he said.
The venue row comes in the wake of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to drop Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, after which the BCB flagged the security concerns.
The board has argued that during the World Cup, not only players but also journalists, sponsors and Bangladeshi spectators will travel for the matches, and that ensuring their safety remains a key consideration.
