Bangladesh Seeks T20 World Cup Venue Change Over Security Concerns; ICC Maintains Schedule

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has firmly requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its 2026 T20 World Cup matches from India to another venue, citing security concerns following the removal of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL by the BCCI. The ICC, after independent security assessments by recognized experts, has found no specific or direct threat to Bangladesh's team in India and has urged the BCB to reconsider, emphasizing the finalized tournament schedule. Both parties have held multiple discussions but remain at an impasse, with the BCB maintaining its stance and the ICC unlikely to alter the fixtures. The dispute reflects broader political tensions between India and Bangladesh, with Bangladesh open to playing in neutral venues like Sri Lanka or Pakistan, while the ICC and Indian authorities affirm their confidence in existing security arrangements.