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Following controversy over Mustafizur Rahman’s release from the IPL, Bangladesh Cricket Board cites security concerns, formally requesting the ICC to move their 2026 T20 World Cup matches to Sri Lanka, keeping players’ safety as the top priority.
Bangladesh confirms they will not play any World Cup matches in India.
New Delhi: The Bangladesh Cricket Board has officially confirmed that the national cricket team will not travel to India for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. The decision comes amid rising concerns over player safety, particularly following the controversy surrounding Mustafizur Rahman’s sudden release from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad during the Indian Premier League 2026. The board cited security reasons as the primary factor behind the decision and has formally requested the International Cricket Council to shift Bangladesh’s World Cup matches to Sri Lanka.
The controversy began when Mustafizur Rahman, who had been signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders for 9.20 crore rupees in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, was released following a request from the Board of Control for Cricket in India. This unexpected move drew widespread attention, not just for its cricketing impact but also due to political and social backlash. Opposition from certain groups and concerns over communal violence in Bangladesh intensified the situation, raising serious questions about the safety of Bangladeshi players in India.
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In response to the controversy, Bangladesh’s sports ministry instructed the BCB to formally approach the ICC with a request to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka. Government advisor Asif Nazrul highlighted that if an individual player could not safely participate in India despite being contracted, it was unreasonable to expect the entire team to travel there. The ICC has not yet responded to the request, while the BCCI has dismissed the possibility, citing logistical challenges.
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Asif Nazrul confirmed the decision publicly, stating that Bangladesh will not travel to India for the World Cup. He emphasized that the decision was made considering the broader security environment and the risks posed by communal tensions. The BCB has stood firm on its position, signaling that the safety of players will remain the top priority ahead of the tournament.
Despite the challenges, Bangladesh announced its T20 World Cup squad on Sunday. Litton Das has been named captain with Saif Hassan serving as vice-captain. Mustafizur Rahman is included as one of five pacers, alongside Mohammad Saifuddin, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Bangladesh will kick off their campaign against the West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The team has been placed in Group C with Italy, Nepal, England, and the West Indies.
