NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Saturday formally requested the ICC to swap Bangladesh with Ireland in Group C of the upcoming T20 World Cup so that the team can play its matches in Sri Lanka instead of India.

Bangladesh are currently placed in Group C alongside West Indies, Italy, England and Nepal, with their matches scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai.

Revolt rocks Bangladesh cricket: BCB removes Najmul Islam after players' BPL boycott

Ireland, meanwhile, are part of Group B with Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman and Zimbabwe, and are slated to play their games in Colombo and Pallekele.

A two-member ICC delegation, comprising Gaurav Saxena, General Manager, Events and Corporate Communications, and Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager, Integrity Unit, was in Dhaka to address BCB’s security concerns and push for adherence to the original schedule.

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today held a meeting with representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to discuss matters relating to Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” the BCB said in a release after the meeting.

While Ephgrave attended the discussions in person, Saxena joined virtually after failing to secure a Bangladesh visa in time.

“During the discussions, the BCB reiterated its formal request to the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka. The Board also shared the Bangladesh Government’s views and concerns on safety and security of the team, Bangladeshi fans, media and other stakeholders,” the statement added.

From the BCB’s side, President Mohammad Aminul Islam, Vice Presidents Md Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Director and Chairman of the Cricket Operations Committee Nazmul Abedeen, and Chief Executive Officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury were present at the meeting.

ICC reluctant, dialogue to continue

However, it is understood that the ICC is not keen on accepting Bangladesh’s request, citing logistical challenges and the major alterations required to the itinerary at an advanced stage of the tournament.

Bangladesh have repeatedly asked the global body to relocate their World Cup fixtures from Kolkata and Mumbai, citing a perceived security threat to players.

The issue was raised after national team pacer Mustafizur Rahman was abruptly delinked from his IPL contract with Kolkata Knight Riders following a directive from the BCCI.

The BCB indicated that further discussions will take place to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

“The discussions were conducted in a constructive, cordial and professional manner, with all parties engaging openly on the relevant issues.

“Among other points, the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group as a means of facilitating the matter with minimum logistical adjustments was discussed. The BCB and the ICC have agreed to continue engaging in constructive dialogue on this matter,” the release noted.

(With PTI Inputs)