New Delhi, Jan 11 (V7N) - The venues and participating teams for the upcoming T20 World Cup were finalized as early as November last year. However, in recent days, discussions over a possible change in Bangladesh’s match venues have intensified, putting the International Cricket Council (ICC) in an uncomfortable position just weeks before the tournament begins.

According to a report published by NDTV on Sunday, ICC Chairman Jay Shah is set to hold talks with officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday to address Bangladesh’s concerns. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested a venue change, citing security issues, and the meeting is aimed at finding a resolution.

Jay Shah is expected to attend the first One Day International of the India–New Zealand series in Vadodara as a special guest of the Baroda Cricket Association. The match is scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm Bangladesh time, and Shah is likely to discuss the Bangladesh issue with BCCI officials on the sidelines of the game.

The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Under the current schedule, Bangladesh’s matches are set to be played in India. However, if Bangladesh ultimately decides not to play in India due to security concerns, their matches would be shifted to Sri Lanka.

The BCB has already sent two letters to the ICC requesting that Bangladesh not be required to play its World Cup matches in India. When asked in Sylhet on Sunday whether the ICC had responded, BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul said no reply had yet been received. He added that the board had provided all necessary documents, links, and supporting information and was awaiting the ICC’s decision.

Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Responding to questions about the possibility of playing at alternative venues within India, Bulbul said that any venue within India remains part of the same consideration. He emphasized that no unilateral decision would be taken and that discussions with the government would precede any final move, adding that the board’s position remains unchanged.

According to the fixture list, Bangladesh is set to open its World Cup campaign against the West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Matches against Italy and England are scheduled at the same venue on February 9 and 14, respectively. The group-stage campaign is due to conclude on February 16 against Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

If Bangladesh’s four matches are moved to Sri Lanka, some Group B fixtures may instead be redistributed across Indian venues. Group B consists of Australia, Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.

India enter the tournament as defending champions, having won the 2024 T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa by seven runs in the final.

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