Bangladesh will not travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has taken this decision after an emergency meeting of its directors. The move comes after the controversy involving Mustafizur Rahman’s release from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad ahead of IPL 2026.
The issue began when the Board of Control for Cricket in India instructed KKR to release Mustafizur. The left-arm pacer was bought for INR 9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. His sudden removal reportedly followed pressure from political and religious groups in India. This decision sparked strong outrage in Bangladesh and raised serious concerns about player safety.
Bangladesh sports adviser Asif Nazrul urged the BCB to rethink sending the national team to India. Public anger continued to grow across the country. Soon after, the Bangladesh sports ministry advised the BCB to approach the ICC and seek a change of venue for their World Cup matches.
BCB approaches ICC over security concerns
On Sunday, 17 BCB directors attended a crucial meeting. After discussions, the board reached a unanimous decision. Bangladesh will not play any of its T20 World Cup matches in India. A senior BCB official confirmed that the ICC has already been informed.
“Bangladesh will not go to India to play in the World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board made this decision today. I welcome this decision, taken in response to the Indian cricket board’s extreme communal policies,” they wrote.
Initially, the BCB considered raising several issues with the ICC. However, it finally submitted a request to move Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka. The board feels the Mustafizur episode has created an unsafe environment for Bangladeshi players in India.
The BCB has also revoked the No Objection Certificate given to Mustafizur Rahman. This means he cannot play in the IPL anymore, even if KKR change their stance. The decision was taken purely for security reasons.
The ICC is now reviewing the request. Bangladesh’s matches could be shifted to Sri Lanka, who are co-hosts of the tournament. A final decision from the ICC is expected soon.
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