Bangladesh Asks ICC to Shift T20 World Cup Matches Out of India

Published On: January 22, 2026

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to formally approach the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting that Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 be shifted from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.

The decision was taken during an emergency virtual consultative meeting chaired by BCB President Aminul Islam, where senior board officials discussed the safety of Bangladeshi players during the tournament.

BCB to Write Urgent Letter to ICC

During the meeting, the BCB agreed to send an immediate letter to the ICC, questioning whether adequate security arrangements can be ensured for the Bangladesh squad in India during the World Cup, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

According to board officials, the BCB intends to seek clarity on how full-team security will be guaranteed when, in their view, sufficient protection could not be ensured for a single Bangladeshi player in India recently.

Mustafizur Rahman Incident at the Center

The move follows the controversial release of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

KKR earlier confirmed that Rahman was released on the instructions of the BCCI, stating the decision followed consultations and due process, and that the franchise would be allowed a replacement under IPL rules.

Later, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the directive was issued due to recent tensions and unrest surrounding the participation of a Bangladeshi player in the league.

Political Pressure Allegations

Bangladeshi media reports claim the decision was influenced by pressure from extremist religious leaders and political figures in India, who publicly opposed Bangladeshi cricketers playing there.

It has also been reported that KKR, co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan, acted on direct instructions from the BCCI.

BCB Seeks Written Explanation

The BCB has resolved to write separate letters to the IPL authorities and the BCCI, seeking a written explanation for Mustafizur Rahman’s release.

Sources say neither the IPL nor the BCCI formally informed the BCB of the reasons before the decision was implemented.

World Cup Fixtures Under Review

Following these developments, the BCB is now reviewing Bangladesh’s participation in T20 World Cup matches scheduled to be played in India.

Under the current schedule, Bangladesh are placed in Group C and are set to:

Face West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Play Italy and England at the same venue on February 9 and 14
Conclude the group stage against Nepal on February 17 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai