Bangladesh’s hopes dashed as Ireland refuses group switch, ICC in a fix

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The controversy surrounding the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting February 7, continues to deepen. First, questions were raised about placing India and Pakistan in the same group, and now, Bangladesh's refusal to play matches in India has further complicated the situation.

Bangladesh's hopes dashed... Ireland refuses to change group, leaving ICC in a quandary: This entire development has increased the difficulties of the International Cricket Council. The Bangladesh Cricket Board had put forward an alternative suggestion in a recent meeting with the ICC. The BCB proposed that Bangladesh and Ireland should switch groups so that all Bangladesh matches could be played in Sri Lanka instead of India. The board believed that this would not require major changes in scheduling and logistics.

However, Bangladesh's strategy was thwarted when Cricket Ireland flatly refused to change the group. Ireland made it clear that its team would play as per the previously scheduled schedule and all group matches would be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

A Cricket Ireland official told Cricbuzz that they have received assurances from the ICC that the tournament's original schedule will not be changed. They also reiterated that the Irish team will play group-stage matches in Sri Lanka. This statement has dealt a major blow to the Bangladesh Cricket Board's hopes.

The Bangladesh government has expressed concerns about the safety of its team, fans, media, and support staff. Therefore, the BCB has been urging the ICC to move its matches to Sri Lanka instead of India. The board believes a group swap is the only viable solution, but Ireland's refusal has ruled out this option.

Currently, the situation is such that Bangladesh is unwilling to play in India, while the ICC appears unwilling to change the schedule. Meanwhile, Ireland has also refused to budge from its stance, increasing uncertainty surrounding the tournament. Reports suggest the ICC is considering possible options, but no official decision has been made yet.

Regarding the groupings, Bangladesh is placed in Group C along with the West Indies, England, Nepal, and Italy. They will play three of their four matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Ireland is placed in Group B along with Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Oman, with all their group matches scheduled for Colombo.