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Bangladesh Refuses to Play in India, Requests ICC to Relocate T20 World Cup Matches

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has formally requested the ICC to relocate all its 2026 Men's T20 World Cup matches to venues outside India. The decision follows an emergency meeting and cites safety and security concerns for its national team. This request comes after Mustafizur Rahman was released from his IPL squad by the BCCI amid ongoing tensions. Bangladesh's refusal to play in India threatens to disrupt key matches scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai.

Key Points: BCB Requests ICC to Move T20 World Cup Matches from India

  • BCB cites safety concerns for team
  • Request follows Mustafizur Rahman's IPL release
  • Matches scheduled in Kolkata, Mumbai
  • Decision based on Bangladesh govt advice
  • Threatens 2026 tournament schedule
2 min read

BCB formally requests ICC for relocating Men's T20 World Cup matches out of India

Bangladesh Cricket Board cites safety concerns, formally asks ICC to relocate all its 2026 Men's T20 World Cup matches outside India.

BCB formally requests ICC for relocating Men's T20 World Cup matches out of India
"The Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions. - BCB Statement"

Dhaka, Jan 4

The Bangladesh Cricket Board said it has formally requested the International Cricket Council to relocate all of their 2026 Men's T20 World Cup matches to venues outside India, citing safety and security concerns.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) convened an emergency board meeting on Sunday afternoon, after having done one via Zoom on Saturday evening, after Mustafizur Rahman was released from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for IPL 2025 on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) owing to ongoing tensions between India and Bangladesh.

"The Board reviewed the situation in detail, taking into account developments over the last 24 hours and expressed deep concern over the overall circumstances surrounding the participation of the Bangladesh National Team in matches scheduled to be played in India.

"Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and the growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India and considering the advice from the Bangladesh Government, the Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions.

"In light of this decision, the BCB has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC), as the event authority, to consider relocating all of Bangladesh's matches to a venue outside India," said the BCB in its detailed statement on Sunday.

India and Sri Lanka are scheduled to co-host the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup from February 7 to March 8, with matches spread across multiple venues in both countries.

Bangladesh's refusal to play in India threatens to disrupt the tournament schedule, considering their itinerary of games includes matches against the West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, as well as against Nepal on February 17 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

"The Board believes that such a step is necessary to safeguard the safety and well-being of Bangladeshi players, team officials, board members and other stakeholders and to ensure that the team can participate in the tournament in a secure and appropriate environment. The Bangladesh Cricket Board looks forward to the ICC's understanding of the situation and an urgent response on this matter," added the BCB.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Mumbai, I'm saddened. The Wankhede and Eden Gardens are iconic venues. Players' safety is paramount, but India has a proven track record. This feels like a tit-for-tat after Mustafizur's IPL release. Not good for the spirit of the game. 😔
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Rohit P
Honestly, if they don't want to come, it's their loss. Our stadiums will be packed regardless. But it does create a logistical nightmare for the ICC and fans who bought tickets. The BCCI should have handled the Mustafizur situation with more diplomacy.
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Priya S
While I understand border tensions are complex, using a World Cup as leverage sets a bad precedent. Bangladeshi players are loved here! Shakib, Tamim... we cheer for them too. Hope cooler heads prevail and the matches go on as scheduled. 🤞
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Vikram M
The BCB statement mentions advice from their government. This clearly goes beyond cricket. It's unfortunate, but player safety is non-negotiable. If they feel unsafe, perhaps relocating their matches to Sri Lanka is the most practical solution for everyone involved.
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Michael C
Watching from the UK, this is messy. The IPL franchise releasing a player on BCCI instructions due to "ongoing tensions" was the trigger. Both boards need to de-escalate. The World Cup is for fans, don't rob us of these contests.

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