ICC won’t move Ireland’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches from Sri Lanka amid Bangladesh's 'group swap' idea

Cricket Ireland has said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) will not shift their matches from Sri Lanka for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, hours after reports emerged that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had requested a group swap with Ireland.

According to reports by Cricbuzz, an official from Cricket Ireland said the ICC has given “definitive assurances” that Ireland will stick to the original schedule and play all their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka.

“We’ve received definitive assurances that we won’t move from the original schedule. We’re definitely playing the Group Stage in Sri Lanka,” the official was quoted as saying.

Ireland are placed in Group B of the 2026 T20 World Cup alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Oman. The team is scheduled to play all its group-stage matches in Sri Lanka (the first three in Colombo and the final match in Pallekele).

Meanwhile, Bangladesh are part of Group C along with England, the West Indies, Nepal and Italy. As per the existing schedule, Bangladesh are slated to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.

The BCB has expressed reluctance to travel to India for the tournament, citing security concerns. On Saturday evening, the board requested the ICC to swap Bangladesh with Ireland so that Bangladesh could play its group-stage matches in Sri Lanka instead of India.

A two-member ICC team, consisting Gaurav Saxena, General Manager (Events and Corporate Communications), and Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager (Integrity Unit), was in Dhaka to discuss security arrangements in India and urge the BCB to adhere to the original schedule.

In a statement after the meeting, the BCB said discussions were held regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Ephgrave attended the meeting in person, while Saxena joined virtually after failing to secure a Bangladesh visa in time.

“During the discussions, the BCB reiterated its formal request to the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka,” the board said, adding that it had also shared the Bangladesh government’s concerns over the safety and security of players, fans, media and other stakeholders.