According to Cricbuzz, Bangladesh remain firm on not traveling to India due to security concerns. The BCB has requested to swap their group with Ireland, allowing Bangladesh to play all their games in Sri Lanka.
Why Bangladesh Wants the Swap
Bangladesh is currently in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Nepal, and Italy, with three matches scheduled in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Ireland, in contrast, is in Group B with Australia, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, and all four of their matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka, with none in India.
Swapping groups would enable Bangladesh to play their group-stage matches entirely in Sri Lanka, avoiding travel to India.
BCB Statement on ICC Meeting
The BCB issued a press release following the meeting:
“The BCB reiterated its formal request to the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka. The Board also shared the Bangladesh Government’s views and concerns regarding the safety and security of the team, fans, media, and other stakeholders. Discussions were conducted in a constructive and professional manner. Among other points, the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group to facilitate the matter with minimal logistical adjustments was discussed.”
ICC Yet to Respond
Despite the discussions, the ICC has not made any official decision on the request, and it appears unlikely that the International Cricket Council will act immediately on Bangladesh’s suggestion.
It’s important to note that while Bangladesh is focused on avoiding India for the group stage, the knockout matches are still scheduled in India if they advance, potentially complicating the situation.
Reasons Behind Bangladesh’s Reluctance
The BCB’s concerns stem from multiple incidents that have strained Bangladesh-India relations:
Tensions escalated in December after the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu factory worker in Bangladesh, which sparked strong reactions in India.
Calls for boycotts emerged from religious groups in India.
Bangladesh felt disrespected when Mustafizur Rahman was released from KKR for IPL 2026, leading to further friction with the BCCI.
Amid these circumstances, the BCB has expressed reluctance to send their team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
