In a significant development ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made a formal request to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The board has asked for its scheduled league stage matches to be moved from their originally allotted venues in India to Sri Lanka.
The Fixture List Under Scrutiny
According to the initial schedule released by the ICC, Bangladesh's Men in Green are slated to play four matches in the group phase. Their campaign is set to begin with a clash against the West Indies on February 7, 2026. This is followed by a game against the associate nation Italy on February 9. Their third match is a high-profile encounter against the defending champions, England, on February 14. All these three games were scheduled to be held at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Their final league fixture is against the Himalayan nation, Nepal, on February 17, 2026. This match was planned for the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The request from Bangladesh seeks to shift the entire set of these four matches to Sri Lankan soil.
Potential Reasons and Ramifications
While the official communication from the BCB to the ICC has not publicly cited specific reasons for this request, sources within the board suggest a combination of logistical and strategic considerations. Historical performance and pitch conditions that might favour their style of play in Sri Lanka are believed to be key factors.
This move, if approved by the ICC's technical committee, would necessitate a major reshuffling of the tournament's logistics. It would impact travel plans for the competing teams—West Indies, Italy, England, and Nepal—as well as broadcast arrangements and fan travel itineraries. The cricket boards of India and Sri Lanka would also need to engage in discussions regarding venue allocations and preparations.
What Happens Next?
The ICC is now expected to review this request in consultation with the host boards of India and Sri Lanka, as well as the other affected participating nations. The governing body will weigh the sporting, commercial, and operational implications before arriving at a decision. The primary challenge will be to balance the request of a full member nation with the existing commitments and contracts tied to the Indian host cities.
For now, the schedule remains as originally published, with Bangladesh's matches set for Kolkata and Mumbai. However, the cricketing world awaits the ICC's verdict on this unprecedented request, which could alter the landscape of the early stages of the T20 World Cup 2026.
