The controversy over Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 intensified after Ireland rejected the BCB’s proposal to swap groups.
The controversy surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 deepened after Ireland rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) proposal to swap groups.
Bangladesh had approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) with a request to exchange groups with Ireland so that it could play all its group-stage matches in Sri Lanka instead of India. However, Cricket Ireland made it clear that it would not agree to any change and would follow the original schedule.
Bangladesh are currently placed in Group C of the T20 World Cup 2026, with matches scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai. The group also includes England, West Indies, Nepal, and Italy. Ireland, on the other hand, are part of Group B alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Oman, with all their group matches set to be played in Sri Lanka.
The issue surfaced after the BCB formally informed the ICC that it was unwilling to travel to India for the tournament. The board cited safety and security concerns for players, officials, media personnel, and fans, and requested that all of Bangladesh’s matches be moved out of India.
BCB reiterates request for venue change
As discussions between the ICC and the BCB continued, Bangladesh proposed a group swap with Ireland as a possible solution. Under this plan, Bangladesh would move to Group B and play all group matches in Sri Lanka, while Ireland would shift to Group C and play their games in India.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting between ICC officials and the BCB in Dhaka. In an official statement, the BCB confirmed that the option of switching groups was explored to resolve the issue with minimal logistical disruption.
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However, Cricket Ireland has now firmly ruled out any such change. Officials from Cricket Ireland said they have received clear assurances that their schedule will remain unchanged and that they will play all group-stage matches in Sri Lanka as originally planned.
“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 from CI told Cricbuzz in a statement.
As per the existing schedule, Ireland are set to face Sri Lanka, Australia, and Oman in Colombo, with their final group match against Zimbabwe scheduled in Kandy. With the ICC standing by the original fixtures, Ireland sees no reason to accept Bangladesh’s proposal. Meanwhile, the BCB has reiterated that its request to move matches out of India is based on guidance received from the Bangladesh government.
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