Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia on Saturday addressed growing tensions between Indian and Bangladesh cricket authorities over the proposed relocation of Bangladesh's fixtures in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, but reiterated that the matter ultimately lies with the sport's global governing body.
The controversy has intensified after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally sought to shift its national team's scheduled matches out of India to nearby Sri Lanka, citing "security concerns" following the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman by Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders on what Dhaka described as politically influenced advice from the BCCI.
Saikia, who has emerged as the public face of the Indian board in this fragile moment, acknowledged media interest in the dispute after a meeting with senior BCCI officials in Mumbai on Friday. Saikia said the venue issue is not within the Indian board's jurisdiction and falls under the authority of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
"The meeting was about coordination of events and other internal cricketing matters. It's not our domain to take a final stance on Bangladesh's participation or venue request," Saikia told news agency PTI, as quoted in Indian media. He emphasized that the BCCI's role is limited and that the ICC must make any final decision.
The BCB's demand backed by the Bangladesh government and expressed through formal letters to the ICC, would see all of Bangladesh's group-stage matches played in Sri Lanka rather than in Indian cities such as Kolkata and Mumbai. Dhaka's stance reflects deepening diplomatic strains between the two neighbours.
Bangladesh's position has drawn both national and international attention. The BCB has twice written to the ICC, insisting on relocation on grounds of player safety and well-being, yet the ICC has not publicly agreed to Bangladesh's request.
The ICC has offered reassurances that the team will receive full security assurances should they agree to compete in India.
But it has not accepted Bangladesh's demand for a Sri Lanka shift.
Saikia's comments on Saturday reflect the Indian board's official line of deference to the ICC's authority. In essence, he signalled that the BCCI will not block the Bangladesh team's participation but will not unilaterally resolve the dispute either. As preparations continue for the World Cup, scheduled to begin on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka, all eyes are now on the ICC's next move.
