ICC gives verdict on Eden Gardens facilities amid Bangladesh's T20 World Cup boycott drama

Eden Gardens [Source: AFP]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has shared positive news about Eden Gardens as preparations continue for the upcoming T20 World Cup. On Thursday, the ICC said it was satisfied with the facilities at the historic Kolkata stadium after a detailed inspection. 

The Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin from February 7 and will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

ICC satisfied With Eden Gardens facilities

A joint inspection team from the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) visited Eden Gardens to review the stadium’s readiness. During the visit, officials checked the playing surface, dressing rooms, corporate boxes, and other important facilities. 

After the inspection, the ICC expressed happiness and confidence in the venue’s ability to host World Cup matches successfully.

Eden Gardens ready for T20 World Cup action

According to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), the visiting officials were impressed with the overall infrastructure. They stated that the ICC is eagerly looking forward to Eden Gardens playing an important role in the T20 World Cup. 

Even though no major international matches are currently being played at the venue, preparations are clearly moving in the right direction.

The positive feedback comes at an important time, as the T20 World Cup 2026 is only weeks away. Eden Gardens has received a strong vote of confidence from the global cricket body, proving that it remains one of the most iconic and reliable cricket venues in the world.

T20 World Cup matches planned at Eden Gardens

As per the tournament schedule, Eden Gardens is set to host five group-stage matches, including one match on the opening day of the T20 World Cup. 

In addition, the venue is also scheduled to host one Super Eight match and a semifinal, provided Pakistan do not qualify for the last four, as their matches have already been assigned to Colombo.

Bangladesh’s participation under question

It is important to note that three of the group-stage matches at Eden Gardens were originally allotted to Bangladesh. However, their participation now appears doubtful. 

Following a meeting with national players, Bangladesh’s sports adviser Asif Nazrul said that the ICC’s security assessment was not acceptable to them. He also hinted that the team may be reluctant to travel to India due to security concerns.

"I think we did not get justice from ICC. Whether we will play in the World Cup or not is entirely a government decision. Nothing happened in India in the recent past that suggests things have changed there (security- wise). We hope ICC will give us justice," Asif Nazrul said

The issue became more serious after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was withdrawn from the IPL on BCCI’s instructions due to unspecified developments. Despite Bangladesh’s concerns, the ICC has refused to change the match schedule.

If Bangladesh decide to pull out, Scotland are next in line to replace them based on ICC rankings.

Overall, despite uncertainty around Bangladesh, Eden Gardens is fully ready for the T20 World Cup.