ICC refuses Bangladesh's request to shift venues in T20 World Cup 2026, 'Play in India or forfeit points'

Conflicting reports have emerged out of ICC's call with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over their request to shift Bangladesh's matches in the T20 World Cup 2026 outside India. For the unversed, BCB had written to the ICC on Sunday, requesting the governing body to consider shifting the team's matches to Sri Lanka, citing the "safety and well-being" of the players due to the deteriorating relations between India and Bangladesh.

BCB's decision was in response to the BCCI's directive to



the Kolkata Knight Riders to release left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. However, according to a report in ESPNCricinfo, ICC categorically told the BCB  in a virtual call on Tuesday that it was rejecting their request to shift the matches.

The report further stated that ICC has clearly told the BCB that Bangladesh will need to travel to India to participate in the T20 World Cup or risk forfeiting points. But BCB has claimed that no such ultimatum has been given to them by the ICC yet.