Ireland Cricket rejects schedule change amid Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup plea

Ireland Cricket rejects schedule change [Source: AFP]

Amid growing uncertainty surrounding the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, fresh developments have emerged after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) proposed a potential group swap with Ireland. 

However, Cricket Ireland (CI) has firmly dismissed any such possibility, making it clear that their fixtures will remain unchanged. 

As discussions continue between the ICC and BCB, Ireland’s stance has added clarity to a situation that has generated significant debate within international cricket.

Cricket Ireland rejects any change in venue

Following reports from Bangladesh suggesting a possible reshuffle of groups, Cricket Ireland categorically stated that the ICC will not move their matches out of Sri Lanka. 

Notably, the Irish board was quick to respond, emphasising that there is no ambiguity regarding their schedule for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

"We've received definitive assurances that we won't move from the original schedule. We're definitely playing the Group Stage in Sri Lanka," an official from CI told Cricbuzz in a statement.

This response effectively shut down speculation that Ireland could accommodate Bangladesh by swapping groups. According to CI, the ICC has provided firm guarantees that the original tournament structure will be maintained.

It is worth mentioning that Ireland are currently placed in Group C of the T20 World Cup alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Oman. All of Ireland’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka. 

In contrast, Bangladesh are placed in Group B with West Indies, England, Nepal, and Italy, with their matches slated for Kolkata and Mumbai in India.

However, Bangladesh have expressed reluctance to travel to India, citing safety and security concerns. As a result, the BCB explored alternative solutions to address the issue without disrupting the overall tournament framework.

Bangladesh’s proposal to ICC

During a meeting with ICC officials in Dhaka on Saturday, the BCB floated the idea of a group swap with Ireland. The proposal was positioned as a practical solution that would involve minimal logistical changes.

“Among other points, the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group as a means of facilitating the matter with minimum logistical adjustments was discussed,” the BCB said in a statement. 

However, according to a Cricbuzz report, despite the suggestion, the proposal has not found favour with either the ICC or Cricket Ireland, indicating limited appetite for altering confirmed schedules.

T20 World Cup 2026 schedule remains unchanged

The ICC delegation included Gaurav Saxena, General Manager, Events and Corporate Communications, and Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager, Integrity Unit. While Saxena joined virtually due to visa delays, Ephgrave attended in person. 

Notably, the BCB was represented by several senior officials, including president Md Aminul Islam and CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.

Although no resolution has been reached yet, the BCB confirmed that discussions will continue. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, with the tournament officially beginning on February 7.