In a major development that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is reportedly seeking to relocate its matches for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 from India. The move comes in the wake of escalating diplomatic tensions and a specific controversy surrounding the release of premier pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise.
The Catalyst: The Mustafizur Rahman Controversy
The situation reached a boiling point following the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) directive to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the 2026 IPL season. Mustafizur, who was acquired by KKR for a significant INR 9.20 crore at the mini-auction, was abruptly removed from the roster.
While the BCCI cited “recent developments” for the instruction, reports suggest the decision followed pressure from various political and religious groups in India. This move triggered widespread outrage in Bangladesh, with the government’s Youth and Sports Adviser, Asif Nazrul, labeling the incident as a matter of “humiliation” for Bangladeshi players. In response, the BCB revoked Mustafizur’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) with immediate effect, ensuring he would not participate in the league even if the decision were revisited.
Also Read: BCCI Directs KKR to Release Mustafizur Rahman Ahead of IPL 2026 Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions
Security Concerns and Political Fallout
The “Mustafizur row” is a symptom of deeper diplomatic strains between the two neighbors. Relations have been increasingly tense following the flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to New Delhi and recent incidents of communal violence.
Asif Nazrul argued that if a contracted professional athlete like Mustafizur cannot safely fulfill his duties in India, the national team cannot be expected to feel secure during a global tournament. Consequently, the BCB held an emergency meeting where 17 directors unanimously decided to approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move their matches to Sri Lanka, the tournament’s co-host.
Bangladesh’s Challenging Road Ahead
As the schedule stands, Bangladesh is placed in Group A (alternatively reported as Group C in some briefings) alongside heavyweights like England and the West Indies, as well as Italy, Nepal, and New Zealand. Their current itinerary is heavily concentrated in India, with three crucial fixtures scheduled for Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens and a final group game at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Current Group Stage Schedule for Bangladesh:
- February 7: vs West Indies (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
- February 9: vs Italy (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
- February 14: vs England (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
- February 17: vs Nepal (Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai)
The BCB’s proposal to shift these games to Sri Lanka is intended to mitigate player safety risks, but it has met with immediate resistance from organizers.
ICC and BCCI Response: A Logistical Nightmare
The ICC has been firm in its stance thus far, reportedly refusing to alter the established tournament schedule. During meetings in Dhaka, ICC officials assured the BCB that independent risk assessments by international experts categorize the threat level in India as “low to moderate,” consistent with other major global sporting events. The ICC emphasized that there is no specific or direct threat to Bangladeshi players or officials in Kolkata or Mumbai.
The BCCI has echoed this sentiment, describing any last-minute change to the venue as a “logistical nightmare.” With tickets, travel, accommodation, and broadcasting commitments already finalized, the Indian board maintains that the schedule cannot be changed at the “whim and fancy” of a single participating nation.
The Looming Deadline: Participation at Risk
The standoff has reached a critical juncture. The ICC has reportedly issued a deadline of January 21 for the BCB to confirm its participation. If the Bangladesh board decides against traveling to India, they face the prospect of losing their spot in the World Cup entirely.
In such a scenario, Scotland—the next highest-ranked team not already in the main draw—is expected to be named as the replacement. While the BCB has expressed its desire to play in the tournament, it remains hesitant to do so on Indian soil. As the opening match on February 7 draws closer, the cricketing community awaits a final resolution that will determine whether “The Tigers” will take the field or if political tensions will claim a spot in one of the sport’s biggest events.