Ireland Rejects Bangladesh’s Proposal for T20 World Cup Group Swap

Cricket Ireland has just refused the idea of relocating their matches in the T20 World Cup that is set to take place in Sri Lanka in the year 2026. This more or less ended the plan of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to swap leagues to resolve the current problem of venues. The ICC gave them “definitive assurances,” according to one of the Irish board members.

Cricket Ireland rejects Bangladesh’s request to swap T20 World Cup 2026 venues amid security concerns

There has been enough drama in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. To start with, there was a question of sorting India and Pakistan in the same pool. But for the past couple of weeks, it has become an issue of whether they will accept playing in India, and they are doing everything to end up in a fix, with everything stuck as it is.

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Ireland Founded: 1888

The Ireland national cricket team, known as the "Men in Green," is an international team that includes players from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

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Bangladesh Founded: 1972

The Bangladesh National Cricket Team, also known as the Tigers or Bangla Tigers, is a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) since 1977.

A Cricket Ireland representative told Cricbuzz,

“We’ve received definitive assurances that we won’t move from the original schedule. We’re definitely playing the Group Stage in Sri Lanka,”

The news came just a few hours ago, after reports emanating from Dhaka showed that the BCB had proposed a swap in venues to escape travel to India. Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play in Group C, which consists of West Indies, England, Nepal, and Italy, all of whom will face off in Kolkata and Mumbai. Ireland, on the other hand, will play all their matches in Colombo in Group B, which includes Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Oman.

🚨 Bangladesh vs ICC

- Bangladesh told the ICC change to change their group from Group C to Group B with Ireland

- Meanwhile, ICC assured Ireland cricket that there won’t be any change

Too much drama just before the T20 World Cup 🔥pic.twitter.com/odJMZRLCPK

— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) January 18, 2026

 BCB said in a statement,

“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 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,”

During the meeting between the ICC team and the Bangladesh officials on Saturday, the BCB proposed the idea to switch Bangladesh from Ireland’s group. They offered the explanation that it will allow them to fulfill the participation without jeopardizing the view of the government concerning not going to India.

However, the ICC and Cricket Ireland do not seem to be convinced either. The ICC delegation, headed personally by Andrew Ephgrave and joined virtually by Gaurav Saxena, who had to wait for his visa, is said to have had detailed talks with the president of the BCB, Aminul Islam, and other members of the Bangladesh Government. However, there seems to have been no major breakthrough either, as the BCB remains firm in its stand.

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Player auction likely to be introduced in PSL It is understood that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has reached a consensus on the player acquisition model, with the auction expected to be adopted by the league.

by mishaalmubarak January 18, 2026