New Delhi, Jan 3: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) to seek a change of venues for Bangladesh’s matches during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, citing concerns over player safety. The move comes in the wake of recent developments involving Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman and rising tensions between the two cricketing boards.
Bangladesh are scheduled to play three group-stage matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata — against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 — before facing Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 17. However, a senior BCB official has indicated that the board is reassessing these venues and will place the matter before the ICC at the earliest opportunity.
“We will be putting the ball in ICC’s court,” a top BCB official told Telecom Asia Sport, adding that the board’s primary concern is the safety and security of its players. The official confirmed that an urgent request for a venue change would be made if the board feels that the prevailing situation poses any risk to the team. “Players’ safety is our priority,” the official said, underlining the seriousness with which the BCB is viewing the matter.
The BCB believes the issue needs to be handled at the ICC level, given the tournament’s global nature and the precedent of other boards seeking neutral venues under exceptional circumstances. The board is expected to formally communicate its concerns to the ICC in the coming days, seeking clarity and possible alternatives to the current venue allocation.While the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the BCB’s stance signals growing unease over off-field developments impacting on-field commitments. The board is likely to continue consultations with the ICC to ensure that Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament proceeds in an environment it deems secure and conducive for its players. (IANS)
