The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been directed by its sports ministry to request that the International Cricket Council (ICC) move the national team’s 2026 T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing "player safety concerns."
The move follows the controversial ouster of star pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL).2 Rahman, purchased by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for approximately $1.1 million (9.20 crore INR), was released on Saturday following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Government Adviser Asif Nazrul stated that the ministry instructed the BCB to argue that if a contracted player is not permitted to play in the IPL, the national team cannot feel secure traveling to India.
"The days of servitude are over," Nazrul wrote on social media. "If a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India, then the national team cannot feel safe traveling there for the World Cup."
BCCI Response A BCCI official dismissed the request as a "logistical nightmare," noting that the tournament is only a month away. The official emphasized that changing venues at this stage would disrupt pre-booked travel and accommodation for multiple international teams and broadcast crews.
Tensions between the two nations have spiked following the August 2024 ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. While the BCCI did not explicitly link the political climate to Rahman’s release, it cited "recent developments" amid reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai starting February 7. Pakistan is already scheduled to play its matches in Sri Lanka under a prior agreement.
