Bangladesh Requests ICC to Shift T20 World Cup Matches
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided to approach the International Cricket Council to request that Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 be moved from India to Sri Lanka. The board cited concerns over the safety and security of its players.
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The decision was taken during an emergency virtual meeting chaired by BCB President Aminul Islam. Officials agreed to immediately write to the ICC seeking clarity on security arrangements for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Security Concerns Prompt ICC Request
According to officials present at the meeting, Bangladesh requests ICC assurances on how the safety of its players will be guaranteed during the World Cup. The board plans to question how security can be ensured for the entire Bangladesh squad when, in its assessment, adequate protection could not be guaranteed for a single Bangladeshi player in India.
BCB officials have stated that the issue is not limited to one individual incident but raises broader concerns about the environment in which Bangladesh is expected to compete during a global tournament.
Mustafizur Rahman IPL Release
The security concerns emerged after Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released from the Indian Premier League by Kolkata Knight Riders. The release became the immediate trigger for the BCB’s decision to seek clarification from international cricket authorities.
Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed that Mustafizur Rahman was released following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The franchise stated that the decision was made by the league’s regulator and that it followed due process. Under IPL regulations, KKR is permitted to sign a replacement player.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia later told Indian media that the directive was issued in light of recent tensions and unrest related to the participation of a Bangladeshi player in the league.
Reports of Political and Social Pressure
Bangladeshi media reports have claimed that Mustafizur Rahman’s release was influenced by pressure from religious leaders and political figures in India. These figures have reportedly expressed public opposition to Bangladeshi cricketers participating in the IPL.
It has also been reported that Kolkata Knight Riders acted on direct instructions from the BCCI. According to sources cited in the reporting, neither the IPL authorities nor the BCCI provided a formal written explanation to the BCB prior to the decision.
BCB Seeks Written Clarification
In response, the BCB has resolved to write separate letters to the IPL governing body and the BCCI seeking written explanations for Mustafizur Rahman’s release. Board officials have emphasized that while IPL participation is an internal league matter, World Cup venues and scheduling fall under the jurisdiction of the ICC.
As Bangladesh requests ICC intervention, the board is also reviewing Bangladesh’s participation in World Cup fixtures scheduled to take place in India.
Bangladesh Government Reaction
Bangladesh’s sports adviser, Asif Nazrul, has publicly raised doubts over the safety of the national cricket team in India. In a statement shared on social media, Nazrul said he had instructed the BCB to explain the situation in full to the ICC.
He stated that if a contracted Bangladeshi cricketer could not play in India, then the national team could not feel secure traveling there to participate in the T20 World Cup. Nazrul also instructed the BCB to formally request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka.
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In addition, he said he had requested Bangladesh’s information and broadcasting ministry to stop airing IPL matches in the country following Mustafizur Rahman’s removal.
T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule Under Review
Under the existing schedule, Bangladesh are placed in Group C of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Their opening match is scheduled against the West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Bangladesh are also due to play Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 at the same venue. Their final group-stage fixture is scheduled against Nepal on February 17 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
These fixtures are the matches that could be affected if Bangladesh requests ICC approval to move its games from India to Sri Lanka.
ICC Decision Pending
The ICC has not yet issued an official response to the BCB’s planned request. Any venue changes would require ICC approval after reviewing security assessments, logistical considerations, and the overall tournament structure.
A senior BCB official noted that while Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL situation falls under domestic league governance, World Cup participation and venues are matters for the ICC to decide.
Wider Implications
The situation highlights the intersection of sport, security, and international relations. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the ICC’s response to Bangladesh’s request could influence how similar concerns are handled in future global tournaments.
For now, Bangladesh’s participation in India-based T20 World Cup matches remains under review as Bangladesh requests ICC action to ensure player safety and tournament integrity.
