Sri Lanka gives strong statement amid T20 World Cup venue-change row, says ‘All of these are…’

The controversy surrounding Bangladesh and the ICC over the T20 World Cup 2026 has finally been resolved after more than three weeks of uncertainty. Bangladesh has formally requested that their initial stage matches, scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai to be to Sri Lanka citing security concerns in India. The issue first came into spotlight when BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) which reported heightened the team’s apprehensions.

Despite the appeal, the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request stating that changing the venue change wasn’t logistically possible. Bangladesh on the other hand remained adamant on their decision following which they were replaced by Scotland in the tournament.

Pakistan also came in support of Bangladesh and threatened to pull out of the tournament. Now amid all this chaos, Sri Lanka has issued a statement and clarified its position emphasizing that it is open to host future ICC tournaments for any participating nation.

“In these disputes among India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, we are remaining neutral; all of these are friendly nations,” Cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake told AFP

Sri Lanka has given the “highest priority” to ensuring the tournament runs smoothly and is “paying special attention to the India-Pakistan matches”, sports minister Sunil Kumara Gamage further told while speaking to the news agency.