Cricket Ireland has confirmed its schedule for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 will not change, dismissing reports of a potential group swap with Bangladesh. This announcement follows a formal request by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. The ICC has provided Cricket Ireland with definitive assurances that their tournament plans remain firm.[hindustantimes+13]
Bangladesh Cites Security Concerns in India
The Bangladesh Cricket Board formally asked the ICC on Saturday, January 17, 2026, to swap its national team with Ireland in Group C of the upcoming T20 World Cup. This swap would allow Bangladesh to play its matches in Sri Lanka instead of India. Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play its group stage matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.[thehindu+11]
The BCB's request stems from security concerns regarding playing in India. The board cited a perceived security threat to its players, fans, media, and other stakeholders. The Bangladesh government also shares these views and concerns.This reluctance to travel to India intensified after national team pacer Mustafizur Rahman was unexpectedly released from his Indian Premier League contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders. This release followed a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).The BCB has reiterated its request multiple times, seeking to move its World Cup matches outside of India.[thehindu+20]
During the meeting in Dhaka, ICC delegates Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager of the Integrity Unit, attended in person, while Gaurav Saxena, General Manager of Events and Corporate Communications, joined virtually due to visa delays.The BCB representatives included President Mohammad Aminul Islam, Vice Presidents Md Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Director and Chairman of Cricket Operations Committee Nazmul Abedeen, and Chief Executive Officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.[hindustantimes+11]
Ireland Confirms Unchanged Schedule
Cricket Ireland quickly responded to the reports, stating it has received "definitive assurances" from the International Cricket Council. An official from Cricket Ireland confirmed that their T20 World Cup schedule will not be altered. "We've received definitive assurances that we won't move from the original schedule. We're definitely playing the Group Stage in Sri Lanka," an official told Cricbuzz.[hindustantimes+11]
Ireland is placed in Group B of the T20 World Cup 2026. This group includes co-hosts Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Oman. All of Ireland's group matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka, across venues such as Colombo and Kandy or Pallekele.The ICC has expressed reluctance to approve Bangladesh's demand, citing significant logistical constraints and the enormous changes such a move would require so close to the tournament's commencement.The T20 World Cup 2026 is set to begin on February 7, 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.[thehindu+20]
ICC Proposes Alternative Indian Venues
The International Cricket Council has reportedly suggested alternative venues within India for Bangladesh's matches, rather than relocating them to Sri Lanka. The ICC proposed Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram as potential new host cities for Bangladesh's games.This suggestion indicates the ICC's desire to keep matches within India despite Bangladesh's concerns about Kolkata and Mumbai.[youtube+1]
The possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group was discussed during the meeting with ICC officials as a way to facilitate the matter with minimal logistical adjustments.However, this proposal has not found favor with the ICC or Cricket Ireland.Any late changes to the group compositions would be highly unusual at this stage of tournament planning.Discussions are ongoing between member boards to find a workable solution to the impasse.[timesofindia+20]
