BCCI reacts to reports of ICC exploring two venues for Bangladesh matches in 2026 T20 World Cup

THE Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) responded to growing speculation surrounding a possible change of broadcast venues Bangladeshthe matches of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The reaction comes as reports suggest the ICC is evaluating two alternative Indian venues for Bangladesh fixtures following concerns raised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Reports hint at two alternative Indian sites

On Monday, several reports claimed that the ICC was exploring alternative venues in India rather than relocating Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka. Chennai And Thiruvananthapuram have been cited as potential options, possibly replacing Kolkata And Mumbaiwhich are currently scheduled to host Bangladesh’s group stage matches.

BCCI reacts to reports of ICC’s ‘2-venue’ solution

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the Indian board remains in the dark about the proposed changes and stressed that the matter does not fall within the authority of the BCCI at this stage. According to Saikia, the ICC has sole authority to make decisions on global tournament venues, and the host board can only act after receiving official instructions.

He made it clear that the BCCI was strictly adhering to the existing tournament schedule and had not been informed about the shifting of Bangladesh matches away from the designated venues. Any reports suggesting otherwise, Saikia noted, are speculative until confirmed by the ICC.

“The BCCI has not received any communication regarding the issue of shifting Bangladesh matches to Chennai or elsewhere, and that is beyond our control. It is a matter of communication between the BCB and the ICC, as the ICC is the governing body. If the ICC conveys to us any decision regarding a change of venue, the BCCI, as the host, will take necessary action. At present, we are not aware of any such information.” Saikia told IANS.

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Bangladesh’s security concerns and the ICC’s response

The issue surfaced after the BCB reportedly wrote to the ICC, requesting that Bangladesh’s group stage matches be moved outside India due to security concerns arising from diplomatic tensions in the region. Sri Lanka has been cited as Bangladesh’s preferred alternative location. In its correspondence, the BCB indicated that it had received an acknowledgment of receipt from the ICC, with assurances that the case would be re-examined. However, no final decision has been publicly communicated by the ICC, leaving room for speculation about possible adjustments.

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