ICC to Suggest Two Alternative Indian Venues for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Fixtures

With the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup fast approaching, discussions are underway between the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the venues for Bangladesh’s group-stage matches.

The ICC is reportedly considering proposing two alternate Indian venues for Bangladesh’s fixtures instead of relocating the matches to another host country.

Bangladesh’s matches were originally scheduled to be played in Kolkata and Mumbai as part of the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. However, citing security concerns and diplomatic tensions, the BCB has formally requested that Bangladesh’s fixtures be shifted outside India. The ICC has evaluated this appeal but indicated that moving matches to a different host country, such as Sri Lanka, is highly unlikely at this late stage due to significant logistical constraints.

Instead, the ICC is in talks to offer alternative venues within India*,* with **Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram among the cities under consideration. Both cities have existing cricket infrastructure and are being looked at as options that might satisfy logistical needs while keeping Bangladesh’s matches within the host nation’s borders.

The ICC and BCCI have reportedly contacted the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and the Kerala Cricket Association as part of these discussions. A final decision on any venue change is expected within the coming days as the tournament draws closer.

Despite the ICC’s plan, the BCB has not yet committed to accepting alternate Indian venues, reaffirming its preference for relocating Bangladeshi matches to Sri Lanka for safety assurances. A final verdict from the ICC is still awaited.

The situation has also drawn attention from other cricket boards. The Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly offered to host Bangladesh’s matches if the ICC seeks a neutral venue, adding another option to the evolving discussion.

The ongoing negotiations highlight the complexity involved in the final arrangements of the T20 World Cup schedule amid security, diplomatic, and logistical considerations.