Bangladesh National Cricket Team Decide Against Travelling to India For ICC T20 World Cup 2026; BCB Takes Decision Following Mustafizur Rahman Controversy

In a significant move that could disrupt the upcoming 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not send its national team to India for the tournament. Citing heightened security concerns, the BCB has requested that its group-stage matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, the tournament’s co-host.

This decision was driven by an intervention from Bangladesh’s interim government following the controversial release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), on the instructions of the BCCI. Government officials argued that if the safety of a single contracted player could not be guaranteed, the entire squad could not be expected to travel to India.  Bangladesh Announces 15-Member Squad For ICC T20 World Cup 2026; Litton Das To Lead, Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed Included.

Security Concerns and the "Mustafizur Row"

The move was triggered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) recent directive to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his contract. The BCCI cited "recent developments" as the reason for the release, which reportedly stems from mounting political pressure and safety concerns regarding the treatment of minorities in the region.

Bangladesh’s sports adviser, Asif Nazrul, stated that if an individual player cannot be guaranteed safety under a valid contract in India, the BCB cannot justify sending the entire national squad for a month-long tournament. Nazrul confirmed he has instructed the board to propose Sri Lanka as an alternative venue for Bangladesh's group-stage fixtures.

Impact on the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule

The 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on February 7, is a co-hosted event between India and Sri Lanka. Under the original draw, Bangladesh was slated to play three of its high-profile Group C matches—against the West Indies, Italy, and England—at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, followed by a final group game in Mumbai.

A BCB official noted that while the board had initially sought only a clarification on security, the stance shifted following a government directive. "We are putting the ball in the ICC’s court," a senior official told reporters, suggesting that Bangladesh should receive an exemption similar to Pakistan, which is already scheduled to play all its matches in Sri Lanka.

BCCI and ICC Response

The BCCI has expressed significant reservations about the request, describing a last-minute relocation of matches as a "logistical nightmare." Officials pointed to pre-booked flights, hotel accommodations, and broadcasting arrangements as major hurdles that make a venue shift difficult to implement just weeks before the opening ceremony.

While the ICC has confirmed receipt of the BCB’s concerns, it has yet to issue a final ruling. The governing body now faces a complex challenge in balancing the security demands of a member nation with the logistical requirements of a major global tournament.

Strained Cricketing Ties

The current standoff marks a historic low in cricketing relations between the neighbors. Beyond the World Cup dispute, the BCCI has reportedly put India’s upcoming 2026 tour of Bangladesh on hold, citing its own security reservations. IPL Broadcast Set To Be Suspended in Bangladesh Following Mustafizur Rahman's Release From KKR Amid Diplomatic Tensions.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the venue, the BCB has moved forward with its tournament preparations, naming a 15-member squad led by Litton Das. The roster includes Mustafizur Rahman, who remains a central figure in the ongoing diplomatic dispute.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 04, 2026 04:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).