Additional losses are likely from local sponsorships, hospitality, and match-day income.
Bangladesh were due to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Still, uncertainty triggered by Mustafizur Rahman’s exclusion from the IPL amid political tensions, along with security concerns, has led the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to request a change of venues. The move could significantly impact the host nation’s finances.
Bangladesh were scheduled to play three Group C matches at Eden Gardens, Kolkata against West Indies, Italy, and England before concluding their group stage against Nepal at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
With Eden Gardens holding 63,000 spectators and Wankhede 33,000, the four matches together account for a potential crowd of around 222,000.
Ticket prices begin at modest levels. The ICC has set entry-level prices from INR 100, with official listings showing Bangladesh vs Italy from INR 100, West Indies vs Bangladesh from INR 300, and Bangladesh vs Nepal in Mumbai from INR 250.
A former BCCI official told IANS that while the BCB’s response was understandable given the circumstances, it was unlikely to have a major long-term impact on India or the IPL.
The ICC is now weighing three main options: relocating Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka, allowing Bangladesh to forfeit points by not playing in India, or in an extreme case, excluding Bangladesh from the tournament.
If removed, another team would be invited at the ICC’s discretion, with Scotland emerging as the leading potential replacement.
India may still mitigate losses by swapping fixtures, moving Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka while hosting some of Sri Lanka’s games instead.
The final decision on any schedule changes rests with the ICC.
