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The fallout from Mustafizur Rahman’s sudden exit from the IPL has spilled far beyond franchise cricket, threatening to disrupt the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Bangladesh is now considering asking the ICC to relocate its World Cup matches out of India after the left-arm pacer was released by the Kolkata Knight Riders on the BCCI’s instructions. This decision has sparked anger in Dhaka and drawn strong criticism from the sporting community in Bangladesh.
How the rift started
The whole controversy started when KKR officially released left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their 2026 Indian Premier League squad, a decision taken on the instructions of the BCCI. Signed just last month in the mini-auction for ₹9.20 crore, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history, Mustafizur’s abrupt removal shocked fans and raised eyebrows across the cricket world. The BCCI, through its secretary, said the move was prompted by “recent developments,” without elaborating publicly what those recent developments were.
Many observers consider the decision politically charged, coming amid rising communal tensions tied to events in Bangladesh, which evidently translated into the removal of Mustafizur Rehman from the IPL.
Bangladesh reacts: Safety fears and a call for venue change for the T20 World Cup 2026
The reaction from Dhaka was swift and forceful. The interim government’s Sports Adviser, Asif Nazrul, strongly condemned the decision from the BCCI. He argued that if a contracted Bangladeshi cricketer cannot be ensured safe participation in India, then it would be irresponsible to expect the entire national team to travel there. In a social-media post, Nazrul wrote that the BCCI’s directive to drop Mustafizur amounted to “bowing to extremist communal forces,” and declared that “the days of submission are over.”
He has instructed the BCB to formally write to the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting relocation of Bangladesh’s group-stage matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 from India to Sri Lanka. In addition, Nazrul has asked Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry to block live telecast of the IPL in the country, a move signalling that Dhaka won’t accept what it sees as humiliation of its cricketers.
Also read: Setback for PCB as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Support India in Moving Asia Cup Out of Pakistan
Can the T20 World Cup 2026 venues really be shifted?
The logistical and governance challenge aside the Officials at the BCB acknowledge the practical difficulties in that regard. According to anonymous board insiders, there is “no immediate scope” for a venue change for the T20 World Cup 2026 for now. Indeed, shifting matches just weeks before the tournament would mean an upheaval for other teams, broadcasters, travel plans, and logistics, especially given that three of Bangladesh’s World Cup games are scheduled in one city, Kolkata, and one in Mumbai.
Still, BCB media-committee members told journalists after an emergency board meeting that they would write to ICC explaining the “entire matter” and convey Bangladesh’s security concerns. The final decision, however, may ultimately rest with ICC, and whether the council is willing to disrupt plans at this late stage.
Bigger picture: When sport meets politics
This episode once again underlines how fragile the boundary between sport and diplomacy can be, especially in Asia, where cricket often mirrors political sentiments. What started as an IPL franchise decision has now evolved into a matter of national pride, security, and international diplomacy. For Bangladesh, this is more than just about one cricketer, it’s about respect for their athletes, the safety of their team, and preserving dignity on the global stage. For fans, players, and administrators, the fallout could reshape how future tournaments are organized, especially when involving cross-border sensitivities.
Whether the venue change for the T20 World Cup 2026 will be granted remains uncertain, but the pressure to protect Bangladeshi interests is firm.
