Bangladesh’s World Cup Matches Will Be Held in India, ICC Refuses to Change Schedule

New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) board has rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to hold its matches in a country other than India. The proposal was put to a vote, in which the BCB suffered a crushing defeat. The ICC has made it clear that there will be no changes to the tournament schedule.

Out of 16 countries that voted, 14 voted against Bangladesh’s proposal, while only two countries, Pakistan and Bangladesh, voted in favor. The ICC has now clearly instructed the BCB to inform its government of this decision. It has also warned that if Bangladesh persists on this issue and refuses to play in India, it will be disqualified from the tournament.

According to sources, in such a situation, Scotland could be included in the tournament in place of Bangladesh. The ICC has adopted a very strict stance on this entire matter, and a final decision is expected soon.

The controversy began when Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL contract was terminated, after which the BCB formally requested the ICC to hold Bangladesh’s matches outside India. The BCB cited security concerns and player safety as reasons for refusing to send the team to India. However, the ICC’s stance has now put an end to the BCB’s defiance.

Bangladesh had demanded a group change
Under pressure from the Bangladesh government, the BCB proposed swapping groups with Ireland. Bangladesh is in Group C, where it is scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Bangladesh wanted its group to be swapped, which would have placed them in Group B, whose matches were to be held in Sri Lanka. Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule
February 7, 2026: Bangladesh vs West Indies, 3 PM, Eden Gardens (Kolkata)
February 9, 2026: Bangladesh vs Italy, 11 AM, Eden Gardens (Kolkata)
February 14, 2026: Bangladesh vs England, 3 PM, Eden Gardens (Kolkata)
February 17, 2026: Bangladesh vs Nepal, 7 PM, Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai)