Chandigarh, Jan 18: The International Cricket Council has denied a proposal to move Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches to Sri Lanka, confirming that Ireland will not be displaced from their original venues. The ruling follows reports that the Bangladesh Cricket Board sought to trade places with Ireland to avoid traveling to India for their group-stage fixtures.
Cricket Ireland officials addressed the rumors by stating they have been promised their schedule remains intact. Ireland is currently set to face a challenging Group B lineup featuring Australia and host nation Sri Lanka. The ICC’s refusal to swap the teams means Bangladesh remains slated for matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, while Ireland keeps its base in Colombo and Pallekele.
“We’re definitely playing the Group Stage in Sri Lanka,” a Cricket Ireland official said, adding that the council gave the organization definitive assurances that no relocation would occur.
The BCB’s request was centered on a desire to play in Sri Lanka instead of India, citing a precarious security environment. On Saturday, the board formally asked the ICC to facilitate a swap with Ireland, which would have effectively moved Bangladesh into Group B and Ireland into Group C.
Following a high-level meeting between BCB leadership and ICC officials, the board said that it had also shared the Bangladesh government’s concerns over the safety and security of players, fans, media and other stakeholders.
The meeting featured ICC integrity chief Andrew Ephgrave and events manager Gaurav Saxena, the latter of whom participated via video link due to visa issues. While the ICC team attempted to reassure the BCB about the arrangements in India, the Bangladeshi officials maintained that a venue change was their preferred resolution.
With the ICC standing by the original tournament structure, Ireland continues its preparations for the Sri Lankan leg of the world event. Bangladesh, meanwhile, faces the prospect of competing in India as originally planned, despite their ongoing formal protests regarding the safety of the tournament environment.
