Sun Jan 18 16:00:00 UTC 2026: Headline: Cricket Ireland Refutes Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Group Swap Request; ICC Upholds Original Schedule

The Story:
Cricket Ireland (CI) has publicly affirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) will adhere to the originally planned schedule for the upcoming T20 World Cup, despite a proposal from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to swap groups. This confirmation comes after reports emerged from Bangladesh suggesting that the BCB had requested the ICC to allow them to switch groups with Ireland, ostensibly to ease logistical challenges. The T20 World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7th to March 8th.

According to a CI official, the organization has received definitive assurances that their group placement, which sees them competing in Group C alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Oman, will remain unchanged. Bangladesh, currently in Group B with West Indies, England, Nepal, and Italy, reportedly made the request during a meeting with the ICC in Dhaka.

Key Points:

  • Cricket Ireland (CI) states ICC will not move their T20 World Cup games out of Sri Lanka.
  • Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested a group swap with Ireland.
  • Ireland is in Group C with Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Oman.
  • Bangladesh is in Group B with West Indies, England, Nepal, and Italy, refusing to travel to India.
  • The ICC delegation included Gaurav Saxena (General Manager, Events and Corporate Communications) and Andrew Ephgrave (General Manager, Integrity Unit).
  • The BCB delegation included president Md Aminul Islam, vice-presidents Md Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, Director Nazmul Abedeen and CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury.
  • The BCB and ICC have agreed to continue discussions on the matter.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ICC is seemingly prioritizing logistical arrangements over accommodating individual board requests in the short term.
  • Bangladesh’s motivation behind the group swap request is likely rooted in perceived logistical benefits.
  • Cricket Ireland appears confident in the ICC’s commitment to the original tournament schedule.
  • Discussions are ongoing between BCB and ICC, suggesting the possibility of future negotiations or adjustments, albeit with CI’s current group assignment as the foundation.

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