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Key Takeaways
- 1📊 BCB formally requested ICC to swap groups with Ireland for T20 World Cup 2026
- 2🏆 Bangladesh wants all matches in Sri Lanka instead of Kolkata and Mumbai venues
- 3💡 Safety and security concerns cited as primary reason for unprecedented group swap request
- 4🔮 ICC decision pending as diplomatic tensions between India-Bangladesh remain high
"Bangladesh had offered to swap groups with Ireland at the World Cup in order to play their games at Sri Lanka"
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has formally requested the ICC to swap groups with Ireland for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, seeking to relocate all their matches to the island nation instead of playing in India. The proposal was presented during a meeting with ICC representatives in Dhaka on Saturday.
Safety Concerns Drive Bangladesh Request
Bangladesh is currently placed in Group B alongside West Indies, England, Nepal, and Italy, with group matches scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai. Ireland, by contrast, are in Group C and play all their fixtures in Sri Lanka against Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Oman.
The BCB cited safety and security concerns as the primary reason for the relocation request, with the Bangladesh Government's views on the matter also factored into the formal submission. The board's statement emphasized their desire to keep all matches within Sri Lanka's venues to mitigate perceived risks.
This development reflects the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh following recent political changes in Dhaka. The BCB's willingness to explore alternative arrangements demonstrates the seriousness with which they view the security situation, though such a group restructuring would require unprecedented ICC intervention and agreement from multiple stakeholders, including Ireland and the host nations.
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