ISLAMABAD: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and SriLanka, faces fresh complications as Ireland has categorically refused toalter its group-stage schedule. Cricket Ireland has confirmed receivingdefinitive assurances from the International Cricket Council that all itsmatches will remain in Sri Lanka, despite proposals from the BangladeshCricket Board to swap groups. This development follows similar reluctancefrom Pakistan and Bangladesh to play in India, highlighting ongoinggeopolitical and security sensitivities in the region.
The tournament, scheduled from February 7 to March 8, 2026, features 20teams divided into four groups, with matches spread across five venues inIndia and three in Sri Lanka. Ireland, placed in Group B alongsideAustralia, co-host Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Oman, is slated to play itsentire group stage exclusively in Sri Lankan cities, primarily Colombo andPallekele. This arrangement was designed to accommodate teams preferringneutral or alternative venues, including Pakistan, whose matches are alsoconfined to Sri Lanka due to prior bilateral agreements.
A Cricket Ireland official emphasized the board’s position, stating thatthe ICC has provided clear guarantees against any deviation from theoriginal fixtures. The assurance came in response to reports that theBangladesh Cricket Board sought a group swap during discussions with ICCrepresentatives in Dhaka. Bangladesh, grouped with England, West Indies,Nepal, and Italy, has its matches scheduled in Indian cities like Kolkataand Mumbai, prompting the BCB to cite security concerns for players, staff,media, and fans.
The BCB’s formal request to relocate its games to Sri Lanka reflectsbroader apprehensions, similar to those expressed by Pakistan earlier. Inlate 2024, an agreement between the Board of Control for Cricket in Indiaand the Pakistan Cricket Board ensured neutral venues for bilateralencounters, a policy extended to this World Cup. Bangladesh’s stance hasintensified scrutiny on the ICC’s venue planning, as any major reshufflecould impact logistics, broadcasting rights, and revenue distributionbetween the co-hosts.
Cricket Ireland’s refusal effectively closes the door on a straightforwardswap, as Ireland has no intention or requirement to travel to India for thegroup phase. Sources indicate that the team views the Sri Lankan venues asideal, offering familiar conditions and avoiding unnecessary complicationsahead of the tournament. This firm stance aligns with the ICC’s commitmentto maintain the announced schedule, minimizing disruptions just weeksbefore the event begins.
The ongoing impasse places additional pressure on the ICC to resolveBangladesh’s participation without compromising the tournament’s integrity.Discussions between the BCB and ICC have been described as constructive,with both parties agreeing to further dialogue. However, the securityassessment shared by the ICC reportedly classifies risks in Indian venuesas low to moderate, insufficient to justify wholesale relocations accordingto governing body standards.
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This episode underscores the challenges of hosting multi-nation events inpolitically sensitive regions. The 2026 World Cup, the tenth edition of themen’s T20 showcase, aims to build on the success of previous tournamentswhile expanding the format’s global reach, including preparations for itsOlympic debut in 2028. Ireland’s participation, bolstered by a strong squadled by Paul Stirling, remains fully committed to the Sri Lankan leg, wherethey open against the co-hosts on February 8.
As the tournament approaches, stakeholders continue monitoring developmentsclosely. The ICC’s handling of these venue disputes will be crucial inensuring smooth execution and maintaining participant confidence. WithIreland’s confirmation, the original framework appears intact for Group B,allowing focus to shift toward team preparations and fan anticipation forwhat promises to be a highly competitive global spectacle.
Source:https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/137328/cricket-ireland-rules-out-venue-change-amid-bcb-group-swap-reports
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