Daijiworld Media Network - Colombo
Colombo, Jan 30: Sri Lanka has said it will remain neutral amid the ongoing controversy involving Bangladesh and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the T20 World Cup 2026, even as the apex cricket body delivered its final verdict after weeks of uncertainty.
The dispute erupted after Bangladesh requested the ICC to shift its T20 World Cup matches out of India, citing security concerns. Bangladesh were originally scheduled to play four matches in Kolkata and Mumbai during the initial stage of the tournament. The request followed the exit of star pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League.
The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s demand but gave the team a 24-hour window to take a final call. With Bangladesh sticking to its position, the ICC eventually dropped the team from the tournament and replaced it with Scotland, the highest-ranked nation among those that failed to qualify.
Meanwhile, reports have suggested that Pakistan could also boycott the tournament in solidarity with Bangladesh or opt out of playing matches against India.
Amid the growing controversy, co-host Sri Lanka maintained silence for weeks before finally clarifying its position. Cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake told AFP that Sri Lanka does not want to be drawn into regional disputes.
“In these disputes among India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, we are remaining neutral; all of these are friendly nations,” Dissanayake said, adding that Sri Lanka would be open to hosting future tournaments for any of the countries if approached.
India and Pakistan currently play matches at neutral venues due to strained political relations. As a result, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches, including the high-profile clash against India, will be played in Sri Lanka.
Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said Sri Lanka has accorded the “highest priority” to ensuring the smooth conduct of the tournament and is paying “special attention to the India-Pakistan matches”.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on February 7, with the final set to be played on March 8.