T20 World Cup 2026 Uncertainty as Bangladesh Decline India Tour After Mustafizur Rahman Dispute
Bangladesh refuse to travel to India for T20 World Cup over safety concerns, ask ICC to shift matches to Sri Lanka.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided not to travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing security concerns amid rising tensions between the two countries. The board, however, does not want to pull out of the tournament.
Instead, Bangladesh has asked the ICC to shift all its World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. Officials believe this is the safest way to stay in the competition while protecting players and staff.
The decision comes days after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders from the IPL squad. The move followed instructions from the BCCI after unrest in Bangladesh linked to the killing of a Hindu man.
Mustafizur had earlier become the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history. KKR bought him for Rs 9.20 crore at the mini-auction before the sudden release triggered backlash back home.
Bangladesh government advisor Asif Nazrul publicly supported the board’s stand. He linked the decision to what he called “aggressive communal policies” of the Indian cricket board.
“Bangladesh will not go to India to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has taken this decision today,” Nazrul said, welcoming the move by the board.
He added that when a Bangladeshi player cannot play in India despite a valid contract, the national team cannot feel safe travelling there for a major tournament.
Nazrul has instructed the board to submit a detailed explanation to the ICC. He wants the world body to intervene and consider moving Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh were scheduled to play West Indies, Italy, England and Nepal in India. The matches were to be held in Kolkata and Mumbai.
The advisor also took a strong stand on broadcasting. He urged authorities to suspend the telecast of IPL matches in Bangladesh as a mark of protest.
“Under no circumstances will we tolerate any disrespect toward Bangladesh cricket, Bangladeshi cricketers, or Bangladesh itself,” Nazrul said.
The controversy has now moved beyond the IPL issue and turned into a larger diplomatic and cricketing standoff. The ICC’s response is expected to decide whether the schedule sees a major change.
