NEW DELHI: Bangladesh Cricket Board keep reiterating on changing its venue for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Fresh statements have emerged from Bangladesh Sporting Advisor Asif Nazrul, where he has said, “We can’t be forced to play in India with unreasonable and unrealistic pressure.”
As per some reports, ICC has given a January 21 deadline to Bangladesh over deciding whether to participate as per the previous schedule or they will be replaced by Scotland in the upcoming summit tournament.
Reacting to this, Nazrul said in a press conference on Tuesday, “Haven’t heard formally that they will exclude us and take Scotland instead. If ICC bows to BCCI and puts pressure on us, if they put unrealistic demands, we will not accept.”
The Bangladesh advisor also reminded everyone about past incidents where venues were changed due to similar issues.
“There have been examples where India has refused to travel to Pakistan, ICC changed the venue. We have asked for venue change for a logical reason. They can’t force us to play in India by exerting undue and unreasonable pressure,” he added.
With the ICC deadline approaching fast, Bangladesh continues to stand firm on their demand, making the venue issue one of the biggest talking points ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
As per the current schedule, Bangladesh are set to play their first three group matches in Kolkata and their final group game in Mumbai.
