‘No communication from ICC regarding shifting Bangladesh’s matches’:BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia says relocation of T20 World Cup matches ‘beyond our control’

Amid the ongoing three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia addressed reports surrounding the possible rescheduling of Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches away from India. Clarifying BCCI’s position, Saikia said, ‘It’s a matter of BCB and ICC, we aren’t privy to any such information,’ distancing the Indian board from the issue. Earlier, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Asif Akbar told Bhaskar English in an exclusive interaction that Bangladesh would not travel to India under any circumstances. He stated that if a change of venue is required, Bangladesh is prepared to play its T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka following the controversy after KKR released Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. Adding another dimension to the situation, Pakistan has stepped in and offered to host Bangladesh’s World Cup matches. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly approached the ICC with the proposal, while the BCB has also written twice to the ICC requesting that their matches be moved away from India to Sri Lanka. Devajit Saikia breaks silence on relocation of T20 WC venues After many speculations and the interference of Pakistan into the matter, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia breaks his silence. He said, “The BCCI has not received any communication regarding the matter of shifting Bangladesh matches to Chennai or anywhere else, and it is beyond our control. It is a matter of communication between the BCB and the ICC, as the ICC is the governing body.” He further added, “If the ICC conveys any decision to us regarding a change of venue, the BCCI, as the host, will take the necessary steps. At present, we are not privy to any such information,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told IANS. Pakistan’s interferance in the matter of Bangladesh The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it is ready to host Bangladesh’s matches during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This move comes amid reports that Bangladesh is unwilling to play its matches in India due to security concerns. According to a report by Pakistan’s Geo News, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has informed the ICC that it does not feel comfortable playing World Cup matches in India and has requested Sri Lanka as an alternative venue. Following this development, the PCB told the ICC that if Sri Lanka is unable to host those matches, Pakistan is prepared to provide its stadiums for Bangladesh’s fixtures. Bangladesh stands firm on not visiting India for T20 WC 2026 BCB director Asif Akbar said, “Travelling to India to play the T20 World Cup might lead to any unfortunate incident, which Bangladesh’s interim government is not in a position to handle at the moment. We are prepared to go play in Sri Lanka. We have decided not to go to India. We are clear on why we don’t want to go to India.” “We are not asking for any hybrid model. Our decision is only for this tournament. We are not bothered by the model Pakistan is following. We might play against India in the future. But that is for the future. We are not going to India for the T20 World Cup,” added Akbar.