The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) to request that Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 be moved from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.
This decision was taken during an emergency virtual consultative meeting of the BCB, chaired by President Aminul Islam.
In the meeting, board officials agreed to send an immediate letter to the ICC raising questions about the safety and security of Bangladeshi players in India and seeking clarity on arrangements for the 2026 tournament, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The BCB plans to ask the ICC how security for the entire Bangladesh squad will be ensured during the World Cup when, according to the board, sufficient protection could not be guaranteed for a single player in India.
The move follows the release of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) by franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Earlier, KKR confirmed that Rahman had been released on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stating that the decision was taken by the league’s regulator and that it followed due process and consultations. The franchise also said it would be allowed a replacement player under IPL rules.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia later told Indian news agency that the directive was issued in light of recent tensions and unrest related to the participation of a Bangladeshi player in the league.
Reports in Bangladeshi media claim that the decision was influenced by pressure from extremist religious leaders and political figures in India who have publicly opposed Bangladeshi cricketers playing there. It has also been reported that KKR, owned by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, acted on direct instructions from the BCCI.
The BCB has additionally resolved to write separate letters to the IPL governing body and the BCCI, seeking a written explanation for Mustafizur Rahman’s release.
According to sources cited in the original reporting, neither the IPL authorities nor the BCCI formally communicated their reasons to the BCB before the decision.
Following these developments, the BCB is also reviewing Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup fixtures scheduled to be played in India.
A senior board official has indicated that one option under consideration is to ask the ICC to shift Bangladesh’s India-based matches to Sri Lanka, subject to the ICC’s approval.
The official has stated that matters relating to Mustafizur’s release fall under the IPL’s internal jurisdiction, while World Cup participation and venues are issues for the ICC to decide after considering all relevant factors.
Under the current schedule, Bangladesh are placed in Group C of the T20 World Cup 2026. They are due to begin their campaign against the West Indies on 7 February at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, followed by matches against Italy and England at the same venue on 9 and 14 February.
Their final group-stage fixture is scheduled against Nepal on 17 February at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. These matches are the ones that could be affected if the BCB’s request for a venue change is taken up by the ICC.
