Bangladesh Makes New Demands to ICC. Bangladesh has officially approached the International Cricket Council with fresh demands ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, requesting key changes to its group-stage schedule. The main demand focuses on shifting Bangladesh’s group matches to Sri Lanka, instead of playing across multiple venues in India, citing concerns related to travel, logistics, and security.
The request was raised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board during a high-level meeting with ICC officials held in Dhaka on January 17. According to reports, the discussions were conducted professionally, with several scheduling options placed on the table.
Bangladesh Requests Group-Stage Matches in Sri Lanka
Sources familiar with the meeting revealed that the BCB proposed a group swap with Ireland, a move that would place Bangladesh in a group primarily scheduled to play in Sri Lanka. This adjustment would significantly reduce long-distance travel for the team during the group stage of the tournament.
Under the current ICC-approved schedule:
- Bangladesh are placed in Group B, set to face:
- West Indies
- Italy
- England in Kolkata
- Nepal in Mumbai
- Ireland, on the other hand, are scheduled to play:
- Sri Lanka
- Australia
- Oman in Colombo
- Zimbabwe in Kandy
Bangladesh believes that moving their matches to Sri Lanka would create a more balanced and safer playing environment while minimizing unnecessary movement between cities and countries.
Security Concerns Raised by Bangladesh Government
In an official statement released later the same day, the Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed that it had formally requested the ICC to consider shifting Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka. The board also stated that it conveyed concerns raised by the Bangladesh government, particularly regarding safety and security.
According to the statement, these concerns cover:
- The national team
- Bangladeshi supporters
- Media personnel
- Other tournament stakeholders
The BCB emphasized that its position was not confrontational and that the discussions with the ICC focused on finding solutions with minimal disruption to the tournament’s overall structure.
ICC Discussions Described as Professional
The Bangladesh Cricket Board clarified that talks with ICC officials were held in a professional and constructive manner. Multiple options were reportedly discussed, including limited changes that would avoid major scheduling conflicts or logistical challenges for other teams.
While no final decision has been announced, the request highlights Bangladesh’s proactive approach in ensuring player welfare and operational efficiency ahead of one of cricket’s biggest global events.
Cricket Ireland Rejects Group Swap Reports
Despite reports suggesting a possible group exchange, Cricket Ireland has firmly rejected the idea that its schedule will be altered.
A senior official from Cricket Ireland stated that the board has received clear assurances that Ireland’s fixtures will remain unchanged. According to the official, Ireland fully expects to play its group-stage matches in Sri Lanka as originally planned under the ICC schedule.
This response indicates that any potential changes will require careful coordination and approval at the highest level to avoid disputes among participating boards.
Why Sri Lanka Matters for Bangladesh
From Bangladesh’s perspective, Sri Lanka offers several advantages:
- Familiar playing conditions similar to Bangladesh
- Shorter travel distances
- Centralized venues for group-stage matches
- Strong cricket infrastructure and security arrangements
These factors play a crucial role in high-intensity tournaments like the T20 World Cup, where player recovery and preparation time are limited.
Impact on 2026 T20 World Cup Planning
The ICC now faces the challenge of balancing:
- Bangladesh’s security and logistics concerns
- Ireland’s expectation to retain its original schedule
- The overall integrity and planning of the tournament
With multiple host venues across India and Sri Lanka, the 2026 T20 World Cup is already a complex event to manage. Any late-stage schedule adjustments must be handled carefully to avoid operational complications.
Background Tensions Add Context
The scheduling issue comes amid heightened sensitivity in Bangladesh’s cricket administration. Recent developments, including diplomatic and administrative tensions involving ICC officials, have added another layer of complexity to relations between cricket boards.
While the ICC has not publicly commented on Bangladesh’s latest request, insiders suggest the matter remains under review.
What Happens Next?
At this stage:
- Bangladesh has formally submitted its request
- The ICC is reviewing possible options
- Cricket Ireland has rejected any change to its schedule
- No official announcement has been made
A final decision is expected closer to the tournament, once logistical, security, and broadcast considerations are fully assessed.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s new demands ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup underline the growing importance of security, travel efficiency, and player welfare in modern international cricket. While the Bangladesh Cricket Board has made its case clearly and professionally, resistance from Cricket Ireland shows that any schedule change will not be straightforward.
