ICC Weighs Two-Venue Solution Amid Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 Concerns

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing a new proposal to resolve a growing dispute with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over venue allocations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament, scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026, will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. With less than four weeks remaining, the global governing body is expected to respond to Bangladesh’s request to move their matches out of India by offering a potential “two-venues” solution that could ease tensions without disrupting the tournament schedule.

Bangladesh’s formal appeal to the ICC followed escalating political and cricketing tensions with India earlier this month. The situation intensified after Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman, reportedly acting on directions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Bangladesh’s interim government and the BCB viewed the move as part of a broader pattern, raising concerns over security, respect and player dignity if the team were to play in India during the World Cup.

However, shifting fixtures outside India poses significant logistical challenges given the packed World Cup schedule and preparations already in motion. Rather than a full relocation, ICC officials are reportedly considering a compromise suggesting alternate Indian host cities such as Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram that might address some of Bangladesh’s concerns while keeping the competition’s integrity intact. ICC’s aim is to present this proposal to the BCB between Monday and Tuesday this week to keep the tournament on track and prevent disruption.

Bangladesh’s top cricket administrators, including BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul, have stated that their stance remains firm; options confined to India only are not solutions unless they satisfactorily address safety and political issues. Bulbul reaffirmed that moving matches to other Indian cities may still not convince the government or the board unless substantive reassurances are provided.

The tension highlights broader regional sensitivities around cricket diplomacy in South Asia. Bangladesh, a cricket-crazy nation with a passionate fanbase, has emphasised that national pride and player safety cannot be compromised amid volatile perceptions triggered by non-sporting events. Despite these issues, the ICC has so far declined to outright reject Bangladesh’s request and insists on continued dialogue with all parties to find a workable solution before teams arrive early next month.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh players are preparing for the tournament amid uncertain conditions, focusing on maintaining performance while the administrative and diplomatic negotiations unfold. With the international schedule rolling forward, the outcome of this venue dispute will test the ICC’s ability to manage not just competitive fairness but also geopolitical and security concerns in world cricket’s flagship event.