The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to respond to the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to shift Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India, with a decision expected between Monday and Tuesday this week.

The BCB formally approached the ICC citing “security concerns” and asked for Bangladesh’s matches to be relocated from India to Sri Lanka. The request followed the release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, reportedly on the recommendation of the BCCI, which further escalated tensions between the two boards.

However, the ICC is unlikely to approve Sri Lanka as an alternative venue. Instead, Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram have emerged as the preferred backup options within India. Bangladesh are currently scheduled to play their group-stage matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.

According to sources, the ICC believes that shifting venues outside the host nation at such a late stage would create logistical complications. With less than four weeks remaining before the tournament begins, the global body is keen to resolve the issue swiftly. Participating teams are expected to arrive in early February for their pre-tournament preparations.

Earlier, BCB president Aminul Islam acknowledged that Bangladesh is not taking the decision independently and that consultations with the government are ongoing. He added that Chennai could still be considered, subject to government approval.

“Since we are not taking decisions alone regarding this World Cup, we will discuss it with the government and we are still where we stood,” Aminul Islam told reporters in Sylhet.

The Bangladesh government has also sought direct communication from the Indian government to address the security concerns ahead of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat officiated during the first ODI between India and New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday. Saikat, along with Gazi Sohel, is expected to serve as a match official during the T20 World Cup as well. The ICC is likely to cite this as an example while responding to the BCB’s security-related concerns.

With the venue controversy dominating headlines in recent days, the ICC is aiming to bring clarity quickly and ensure the tournament preparations remain on track.

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