Bangladesh finds itself at the centre of a heated debate as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) sends a second formal letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) demanding clarification on the allocation of venues for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The move follows mounting criticism from fans, players, and media outlets who argue that the BCB’s preferred venues are being sidelined in favour of locations outside the country. The latest correspondence, reported by NDTV Sports, underscores a growing rift that could reshape the tournament’s logistical blueprint.
Venue dispute escalates
The BCB’s initial request, lodged months ago, sought to secure three prime stadiums in Bangladesh—Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, and MA Aziz Stadium—for the group stage matches. However, the ICC’s provisional schedule allocated only a single match to Bangladesh, sparking accusations of bias and inadequate representation. In its second letter, the BCB reiterated its stance, highlighting the economic and developmental benefits of a broader venue spread, and warned of potential disruptions if the issue remains unresolved.
Stakeholder reactions
Domestic cricket fans have taken to social media, demanding transparency and fairness. Prominent former players, including Shakib Al Hasan, voiced concerns that limited exposure could hamper the sport’s growth in the region. Meanwhile, sponsors and broadcasters are monitoring the situation closely, aware that venue changes could affect viewership numbers and advertising revenue.
Potential alternatives
Analysts suggest several contingency plans should the ICC maintain its current allocation:
- Negotiating a neutral venue arrangement with neighbouring countries.
- Proposing a split‑venue format where Bangladesh hosts knockout matches.
- Seeking a revised revenue‑sharing model to compensate for reduced match count.
To illustrate the scope of the debate, the table below compares the stadium capacities and recent international fixtures of the three BCB‑favoured venues against the sole venue currently confirmed by the ICC.
| Stadium | Location | Seating Capacity | Last International Match (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium | Dhaka | 25,000 | India vs Pakistan, June 2024 |
| Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium | Chattogram | 22,000 | England vs New Zealand, March 2024 |
| MA Aziz Stadium | Chittagong | 20,000 | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, February 2024 |
| Current ICC‑designated venue | Dhaka (Sher-e-Bangla) | 25,000 | Same as above |
Implications for the 2026 tournament
If the dispute persists, the ICC may face pressure to revisit its venue distribution policy, potentially setting a precedent for future multi‑nation events. A resolution favourable to the BCB could boost local economies, increase fan engagement, and reinforce Bangladesh’s reputation as a reliable cricket host. Conversely, a stalemate might diminish the tournament’s regional appeal and strain relationships between the ICC and member boards.
Conclusion
The BCB’s second letter to the ICC marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing venue row, highlighting the delicate balance between global tournament logistics and national cricketing ambitions. While the ICC’s final decision remains pending, the discourse has already sparked broader conversations about equitable venue allocation, stakeholder involvement, and the financial stakes tied to hosting world‑class events. As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, all eyes will remain on Dhaka, awaiting a resolution that could shape the future of cricket governance in South Asia.
Image by: Juan Salamanca
https://www.pexels.com/@jsalamanca
