Big Blow to Bangladesh as Ireland Rejects Group Change Proposal in T20 World Cup 2026

New Delhi: A new controversy has emerged in the political and administrative arena before the T20 World Cup 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) recently requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to change its group and swap it with Ireland so that its matches can be played in Sri Lanka. Bangladesh's argument was that they were not ready to play the match in India, and due to security and other reasons, they felt it was better to play in Sri Lanka.

Where are all the Ireland group stage matches to be held?

Cricket Ireland (CI) has categorically rejected this proposal. The board has said that their schedule will remain the same and they will play all their group stage matches in Sri Lanka only. The ICC has also assured Ireland that there will be no change in the venue of their matches.

Why did Bangladesh want to change the group?

The Bangladesh Cricket Board gave this demand to the ICC because they were confused about playing matches in India and wanted their group matches to be held on the grounds of Sri Lanka. They hoped that if Ireland's group was changed they would be able to shift their matches to Sri Lanka.

Why did Ireland refuse?

Ireland refused to budge from their original schedule. He said that he has taken a full guarantee from ICC that his matches will be held where previously scheduled. With this decision the options for Bangladesh have become more limited.

What is the stance of the ICC?

ICC has made it clear that it is not in favor of changing the group or changing the venue. In the words of Ireland, “We will definitely play our group stage matches in Sri Lanka.” This statement has come from Cricbuzz.

What does it mean for Bangladesh?

This is being considered a big blow for Bangladesh as their target was to play outside India. Now they will either have to agree to play in India under the original schedule or look for some other solution. 

What is the status of the groups?

Bangladesh has been placed in Group C, where its matches are to be held in Kolkata and Mumbai. Ireland are in Group B, and all their innings will be in Sri Lanka (Colombo, etc.). 

What could happen next?

Currently ICC is in communication with Bangladesh, and discussions are going on between the two parties. But at present no major changes have been decided, and the proposal of a group swap has been rejected. It is clear that the group swap proposal was not supported by both the boards and the ICC, and currently this issue remains the same in organizing the T20 World Cup.