Dhaka— The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift all Bangladesh matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 to venues outside India, citing safety and security concerns amid rising diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from March 26. However, the BCB’s request casts uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation in matches slated to be played in India.
The development comes a day after Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, reportedly following directions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Rahman had been picked up by KKR for ₹9.20 crore during last month’s IPL auction.
At an emergency meeting of its board of directors held on Sunday, the BCB reviewed the rapidly evolving situation, including the deterioration in diplomatic relations with India. The board expressed deep concern over the prevailing circumstances surrounding the participation of the Bangladesh national team in fixtures scheduled on Indian soil.
Following a detailed assessment and consultations with the Bangladesh government, the BCB resolved that the national team would not travel to India under the current conditions. The board cited the need to ensure the safety and well-being of players, team officials and other stakeholders as the primary reason behind the decision.
Tensions between the two neighbours have intensified in recent weeks, particularly after reports of continued violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. The killing of four Hindu men in separate incidents has sparked outrage in India and is believed to have contributed to the BCCI’s directive to KKR regarding Rahman’s release.
The ICC is yet to respond officially to the BCB’s request, and it remains to be seen whether alternative venues will be allocated for Bangladesh’s matches in the global tournament.
