ICC Eyes Sri Lanka Shift for Bangladesh WC Games

ICC signals openness to BCB's plea to relocate Bangladesh's 2026 T20 World Cup league matches from India to co-host Sri Lanka, amid the Sunday impasse over safety fears. With Bangladesh's Kolkata (3) and Mumbai (1) fixtures in jeopardy post-Mustafizur IPL row, a decision looms in 1-2 days, averting potential forfeits.

Background: BCB's formal request follows government directive, rooted in bilateral strains after KKR released Mustafizur on BCCI orders. Bangladesh's T20 pedigree—Super 8 2022, Mustafizur's 6.72 economy—clashes with security perils. Precedents like neutral venues in Indo-Pak clashes set stage; this tests ICC's flexibility for 20-team format.

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Breaking it down, Sri Lanka absorption is practical—extra group games fit their slots. Stats: Bangladesh 28% win rate in India T20Is vs 45% in SL. Historical shifts, e.g., 1996 World Cup Sri Lanka venues, succeeded seamlessly. ICC avoids forfeits (auto-wins for WI, ENG, ITA, NEP), preserving competition integrity over logistics snags.

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Wider fallout: Validates safety vetoes, pressuring BCCI on neutral grounds. Tournament standings secure, but sets precedent for politically charged events. For Bangladesh, participation assured; India, minor revenue hit. Echoes 2023 Asia Cup hybrids—cricket bends to reality.

"ICC is open to moving games to Sri Lanka." - Cricbuzz Sources

Horizon: Quick ICC call expected; Sri Lanka likely hosts. Track scheduling tweaks and diplomatic thaws—could unlock future Indo-Bangla ties. Vital for fans: Ensures full-strength World Cup spectacle.