Bangladesh's World Cup Matches in India: ICC Denies Relocation Request Amid Security Concerns

ICC's Decision on Bangladesh's World Cup Matches

New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that their appeal to move Bangladesh's World Cup matches outside of India due to security issues has been rejected.

Recently, the BCB made a formal request to the ICC to relocate all of Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches, citing increasing worries regarding the safety of their team.

During a virtual meeting held on Tuesday between ICC officials and BCB representatives, it was reported by ESPNcricinfo that the ICC indicated Bangladesh must travel to India to participate in their scheduled matches or face the possibility of losing competition points.

However, the BCB has stated that they did not receive any such warning or ultimatum. An ICC insider also mentioned that no final decision has been made regarding the BCB's request to shift their matches to a different location.

As of now, neither the ICC nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released an official statement regarding the outcome of the discussions.

With less than a month to go before the tournament kicks off on February 7, uncertainty looms. The event will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, running until March 8.

Bangladesh is placed in Group C and is set to play their first three matches in Kolkata: against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14, concluding the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

The BCB's communication with the ICC followed a directive from the BCCI to the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was acquired for Rs 9.2 crore during the December auction, making him the only Bangladeshi player selected in the IPL 2026 auction.