Are matches in checked baggage a safety problem?
The reason that matches are banned on most airlines is not that they might accidentally catch fire. Especially not in the cargohold of the plane. Sometimes the cargohold is not even pressurized. and a lot of safety measures are taken to prevent cargo fires, including suppression systems in case this does happen.

Most likely the ban is for carry-on baggage. Most airlines will allow you to take a lighter with you, but only 1. 
The reason is that if someone wants to start a fire in the passenger cabin, this is not as easy with a lighter.
A box of matches on the other hand is a lot easier and faster to set on fire.