The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) request to relocate their T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka. The decision was conveyed to the BCB during a virtual meeting held on Tuesday. The ICC cited a lack of credible security concerns as the primary reason for denying the request.

The BCB had formally requested the ICC to consider moving Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka, expressing "safety and security" concerns for their players and stakeholders. These concerns led the BCB to state that the team would not travel to India for the tournament. However, the ICC has deemed these concerns insufficient grounds to alter the schedule or venues.

Sources indicate that the ICC has found no actionable security inputs to support Bangladesh's apprehension regarding player safety in India. The ICC has reportedly informed the BCB that the senior men's national team is obligated to participate in their T20 World Cup matches in India, or face the possibility of forfeiting points.

Bangladesh is scheduled to commence their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Following the match against the West Indies, they are slated to face Italy on February 9 and England on February 14, both also in Kolkata. Subsequently, the team is scheduled to travel to Mumbai to play against Nepal at Wankhede Stadium.

The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is scheduled to take place from February 7 to March 8.

While ESPNcricinfo reported that the ICC told the BCB it was rejecting the relocation request, conflicting reports have emerged, with the BCB denying receiving any ultimatum from the governing body. An official notification regarding the outcome of Tuesday's call is expected by January 10.