With less than three weeks left for the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the standoff between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over Bangladesh’s match venues shows no sign of resolution. What has now emerged, however, is a new direction the ICC is quietly exploring, moving Bangladesh’s fixtures within India itself.
According to Cricbuzz, the ICC, in consultation with the BCCI, has sounded out both the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) regarding the possibility of hosting Bangladesh’s group-stage games in Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram. Both associations have indicated their willingness to accommodate the matches if required.
This development comes as Bangladesh continues to refuse travel to India, demanding that all four of its group games be shifted to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns following political tensions and the forced release of Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026 on BCCI instructions.
ICC not fulfilling Bangladesh’s want
While the BCB remains firm on shifting its matches to Sri Lanka, the ICC appears reluctant to accommodate that request. With the tournament scheduled to begin on February 7, relocating matches to another country at this stage presents major logistical challenges involving broadcasters, opposition teams, security agencies and ticketing operations.
Chepauk, which is already a World Cup venue in 2023, is seen as a particularly viable alternative. TNCA officials have reportedly informed the ICC that they have eight prepared pitches and can host additional fixtures without disruption. KCA has also expressed readiness to stage matches in Thiruvananthapuram.
Despite the ICC’s internal efforts, the BCB remains unmoved. Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul reiterated on Saturday that Bangladesh is still awaiting a formal response. Meanwhile, the rumour mill gave a new update yesterday as some reports suggested that Pakistan wants to host Bangladesh matches too.
Bangladesh’s T20 WC 2026 schedule
| Date | Match No. | Teams | Venue | IST Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Feb 7, 2026 | 2nd Match | West Indies vs Bangladesh | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 3:00 PM |
| Mon, Feb 9, 2026 | 7th Match | Bangladesh vs Italy | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 11:00 AM |
| Sat, Feb 14, 2026 | 23rd Match | England vs Bangladesh | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 3:00 PM |
| Tue, Feb 17, 2026 | 33rd Match | Bangladesh vs Nepal | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
