BCCI Finally Breaks Silence on Bangladesh’s Demand to Shift T20 World Cup Matches Out of India: ‘Not Our Domain’

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally responded to Bangladesh’s demand to shift its T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India, clarifying that the matter falls under the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) jurisdiction.

Tensions between India and Bangladesh have escalated in recent days following the BCCI’s directive to IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. Rahman had been picked for ₹9.20 crore at the Abu Dhabi auction but was released amid rising diplomatic strain between the two countries.

Relations soured further after reports of multiple Hindus being killed in Bangladesh, triggering strong public sentiment in India. KKR faced heavy criticism for retaining Rahman despite the prevailing mood, prompting BCCI intervention.

Following Rahman’s release, the Bangladesh government and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) approached the ICC, requesting that Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches be relocated from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. While the ICC and BCB have been in communication, no final decision has been taken so far, even as the tournament is set to begin on February 7.

Reacting to the issue, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia distanced the Indian board from the controversy, stressing that the final call rests with the ICC.

“The meeting was about the CoE and other cricketing matters. It’s not our domain to talk about that, as the ICC has the final say on Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup,” Saikia told news agency PTI.

Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Schedule

The T20 World Cup 2026 will be held across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8 at eight venues. Bangladesh are placed in Group C along with England, the West Indies, Nepal and Italy.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play their matches against the West Indies, England and Italy at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, while their fixture against Nepal is slated for the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Earlier, the BCB said the ICC, headed by Jay Shah, had assured it that Bangladesh’s concerns would be addressed.

“The ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament and has expressed willingness to work closely with the BCB as part of detailed security planning,” the BCB said in a statement.

With the tournament fast approaching, the ICC is now under pressure to take a call on Bangladesh’s request.