Dhaka: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reiterated its formal request to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 from India to Sri Lanka, citing safety and security concerns.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the request was reiterated during a meeting between BCB officials and ICC representatives at a city hotel, where matters related to Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament were discussed. The BCB shared the Bangladesh Government’s views and concerns regarding the safety and security of the national team, Bangladeshi fans, media personnel, and other stakeholders while in India.
“During the discussions, the BCB reiterated its formal request to the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka,” the BCB stated in a press release. “The Board also shared the Bangladesh Government’s views and concerns on safety and security of the team, Bangladeshi fans, media, and other stakeholders.”
The BCB revealed that discussio
ns were conducted in a constructive, cordial, and professional manner, with all parties engaging openly on the relevant issues. The board also discussed the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group to facilitate the matter with minimum logistical adjustments.
The ICC delegation was represented by Gaurav Saxena, General Manager, Events and Corporate Communications, and Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager, Integrity Unit. “Gaurav Saxena was unable to attend the meeting in person as his visa was received later than anticipated and therefore joined the discussions virtually. Andrew Ephgrave attended the meeting in person,” the release informed.
From the BCB’s side, President Md Aminul Islam Bulbul, Vice Presidents Md Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Director and Chairman of the Cricket Operations Committee Nazmul Abedeen, and Chief Executive Officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury were present. “The BCB and the ICC have agreed to continue engaging in constructive dialogue on this matter,” the release conclu
ded.