BCB offer to swap groups with Ireland to feature in T20 World Cup

By Atif Azam
Last updated: January 17, 2026

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has urged the International Cricket Council to swap groups so Bangladesh can feature in the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

The BCB made the offer during a meeting with ICC representatives in Dhaka on Saturday. The BCB insisted that Bangladesh should replace Ireland in Group C to play all their matches in Sri Lanka.

Ireland are scheduled to face Sri Lanka, Australia, and Oman in Colombo, with their final group match against Zimbabwe in Kandy. Bangladesh are currently in Group B, where they are set to play West Indies, Italy, and England in Kolkata, before facing Nepal in Mumbai.

Later in the evening, the BCB released a statement regarding the meeting:
"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."