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The debate surrounding Bangladesh’s involvement in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has intensified after Ireland turned down the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to swap groups. Bangladesh had reached out to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to propose a group change with Ireland, hoping to play all their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka instead of India. However, Cricket Ireland has firmly stated that they will adhere to the original schedule. 

Currently, Bangladesh is in Group C for the T20 World Cup 2026, with their matches set to take place in Kolkata and Mumbai. They’re up against England, West Indies, Nepal, and Italy. On the other hand, Ireland is in Group B, which features Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Oman, with all their matches planned for Sri Lanka. 

The situation escalated when the BCB officially notified the ICC that they were not willing to travel to India for the tournament. Citing concerns about the safety and security of players, officials, media, and fans, the BCB requested that all of Bangladesh’s matches be moved out of India. 

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As talks between the ICC and BCB progressed, Bangladesh proposed a group swap with Ireland. The plan was to shift Bangladesh to Group B, allowing them to play all their matches in Sri Lanka, while Ireland would move to Group C and compete in India. 

This proposal was discussed during a meeting between ICC officials and the BCB in Dhaka. In an official statement, the BCB confirmed that they explored the option of switching groups to resolve the issue with minimal logistical disruption. 

However, Cricket Ireland has now dismissed any possibility of such a change. Officials from Cricket Ireland stated they have received clear assurances that their schedule will remain unchanged. They confirmed that Ireland will play all their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka as originally planned.

According to the current schedule, Ireland is gearing up to take on Sri Lanka, Australia, and Oman in Colombo, with their last group match against Zimbabwe lined up in Kandy. The ICC is sticking to the original fixtures, and Ireland has made it clear that they have no intention of accepting Bangladesh’s proposal. On the other hand, the BCB has emphasized that their request to move matches out of India is based on advice from the Bangladesh government.