‘Not Our Call’: BCCI Dodges Questions on Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 Venue Switch Amid Security Fears
Mumbai: The BCCI has addressed queries on the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 venue controversy after Bangladesh’s cricket board (BCB) pushed for a shift to Sri Lanka. This follows the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026 by his Kolkata Knight Riders franchise on BCCI instructions for unspecified reasons, against a backdrop of attacks on Hindus and fraying India-Bangladesh ties.
BCB cited security concerns in two letters to the ICC, with sports ministry adviser Asif Nazrul taking a firm stand tied to national pride and growing anti-India sentiment in government circles. BCB continues working with the ICC to resolve these issues around Bangladesh’s participation.
In a Mumbai meeting attended by BCCI president Mithun Manhas, secretary Devajit Saikia, and CoE head VVS Laxman, the focus stayed on internal cricketing matters. Saikia told PTI: “The meeting covered CoE and other cricket issues. It’s not our domain to comment—ICC has the final say on Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup participation.”
Had a fruitful meeting with VVS Laxman, Head of BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, in the presence of BCCI office bearers today at Mumbai. Reviewed current activities and charted the roadmap for the Centre’s future course, aimed at further strengthening India’s cricketing talent… pic.twitter.com/nw1PibqDV1
— Devajit LON Saikia (@lonsaikia) January 9, 2026
ICC has offered schedule adjustments and full security assurances if BCB agrees to play in India, but Bangladesh holds firm against traveling here in a second letter. With no direct BCCI-BCB talks, ICC must decide as host.
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Reports suggest Bangladesh could mirror Pakistan by playing all matches in Sri Lanka. Yet the tournament kicks off in under a month, with tickets already sold out—a last-minute shift would trigger massive financial hits and logistical headaches.