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BCB Takes T20 World Cup Venue Dispute to ICC Arbitration Body

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has formally petitioned the ICC's independent Dispute Resolution Committee to relocate its matches for the 2026 T20 World Cup away from India, citing security and safety concerns. This escalation follows the ICC's outright rejection of BCB's initial request to move matches to Sri Lanka. BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul has affirmed the board's firm stance not to play in India despite the current schedule placing Bangladesh's matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin has criticized the move, stating India's security is proven and that shifting scheduled World Cup matches is impractical.

Key Points: BCB Petitions ICC to Move T20 World Cup Matches from India

  • BCB cites security concerns for players
  • ICC rejected initial relocation request
  • Matches scheduled for Kolkata and Mumbai
  • Dispute linked to Mustafizur Rahman's IPL release
  • Former captain Azharuddin criticizes BCB stance
3 min read

BCB asks ICC's dispute resolution body to intervene on relocating T20 World Cup matches

Bangladesh Cricket Board escalates security dispute, asking ICC's dispute body to relocate its 2026 T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka.

"If they don't come, it is their loss. They cannot complain about our security system. - Mohammad Azharuddin"

Dhaka, January 23

The Bangladesh Cricket Board petioned the International Cricket Council's independent Dispute Resolution Committee on Friday about relocating Bangladesh's matches outside India for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, according to The Daily Star.

For those unversed, the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee is an independent arbitration body that handles disputes involving the ICC, its member boards, players and officials.

The development comes after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had requested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) shift their matches outside India to Sri Lanka, citing "security and safety concerns" for their players.

BCB's request came after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had instructed the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur from their squad ahead of the 2026 season, amid violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

After this, ICC on Wednesday rejected the BCB's request to move their matches out of India for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup via video conference, which was convened to discuss the way forward.

The BCB President, Aminul Islam Bulbul, then confirmed on Thursday that the BCB stands firm in its decision not to play its ICC Men's World Cup matches in India, following the ICC's rejection of its request.

As per the current schedule, Bangladesh are scheduled to kick off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 against two-time champions West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The Litton Das-led side is then scheduled to face Italy on February 9 at the same venue before facing England in Kolkata again. After facing England, Bangladesh are scheduled to travel to Mumbai to play Nepal at Wankhede Stadium.

Recently, speaking to ANI, former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin suggested that it is unreasonable for Bangladesh to be complaining about India's safety and security system, noting that New Zealand are currently playing in India and South Africa also played recently.

"If they don't come, it is their loss. They cannot complain about our security system. A lot of international matches are going on, and no team has complained. If they don't come, it will be their loss and a loss for their players. Our country is very secure. All the teams are playing. New Zealand are currently playing in India, and South Africa played just a few days ago," Azharuddin said.

"You can't keep shifting the World Cup matches here and there. Since the matches are already scheduled, it is very difficult to shift matches," the former Indian cricketer added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I understand the BCB's perspective, especially after the Mustafizur incident with KKR. But dragging the ICC's dispute body into this? The schedule is set. It feels like a tit-for-tat move rather than a genuine security issue. Hope cricket doesn't suffer.
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Rohit P
Azharuddin is absolutely right. New Zealand is touring right now! Our security for international events is top-class. BCB should focus on their team's performance instead of creating unnecessary drama. If they don't come, it's their loss, not ours.
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Kolkata, I was really looking forward to seeing the Bangladesh team play at Eden Gardens. This is so disappointing. Sports should be above politics. Let the best team win on the pitch.
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Vikram M
Honestly, the BCCI asking KKR to release Mustafizur was a strong move given the reports of violence. But now BCB's response feels like an overreaction. The ICC has already said no. Time to move on and prepare for the tournament.
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Michael C
While I respect India's capability to host, I think we should also respectfully consider the concerns raised. The BCB President is standing firm for a reason. Perhaps there's more to this story that we, as fans, aren't fully aware of. A diplomatic solution is needed.
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