Bangladesh Confirms Refusal to Play T20 World Cup Matches in India, Requests ICC Shift Fixtures to Sri Lanka

Bangladesh has firmly reaffirmed its decision not to play T20 World Cup matches in India, following a high-level meeting between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), national players, and government officials in Dhaka. The discussions, which involved key stakeholders from both the cricket board and the government, concluded that the country’s cricket team will not participate in any World Cup matches scheduled to be held on Indian soil. This decision reflects long-standing concerns over political tensions and public sentiment regarding playing in India.

The BCB is now preparing to formally request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move Bangladesh’s fixtures to Sri Lanka under a hybrid hosting arrangement. This model would allow the tournament to remain partially in India while accommodating Bangladesh’s refusal, ensuring that the team can participate without traveling to India. BCB president Aminul Islam criticized the ICC’s handling of the situation, warning that insisting on matches in India could result in a major drop in viewership and fan engagement, potentially costing millions in revenue for the tournament.

Government sports adviser Asif Nazrul confirmed that the decision was made at the state level, highlighting that it carries official backing beyond the cricket board. The move demonstrates Bangladesh’s strong stance on protecting its players and maintaining national interests while participating in international cricket. Cricket fans and analysts are now watching closely to see how the ICC responds to Bangladesh’s request for relocating its matches, and whether other teams with similar concerns might seek adjustments under the hybrid hosting model. This development adds a significant political and logistical dimension to the organization of the T20 World Cup and could influence the tournament’s overall planning and scheduling.