Bangladesh Seeks Shift of T20 World Cup Matches from India After Mustafizur’s IPL Exit

Bangladesh Seeks to Move T20 World Cup Matches Out of India After Mustafizur Exit.

Bangladesh’s interim government has directed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to request a change of venue for the team’s matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, asking that they be moved out of India. Sri Lanka has been proposed as an alternative host.

The decision follows the Indian Cricket Board’s (BCCI) instruction to Kolkata Knight Riders to terminate the contract of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, which drew widespread criticism amid reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh sports adviser Asif Nazrul confirmed the move on social media on January 3, stating that the government will not tolerate “the humiliation of Bangladesh, Bangladeshi cricket, or Bangladeshi cricketers.” He added that the BCB has been asked to formally communicate the concerns to the ICC, highlighting security issues if a single contracted player cannot be guaranteed safety. Nazrul also indicated that IPL broadcasts may be suspended in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh are scheduled to start their T20 World Cup campaign against West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, followed by matches against Italy (February 9), England (February 14) at the same venue, and Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

The BCCI had asked KKR to release Mustafizur, signed for Rs 9.20 crore, allowing the franchise to name a replacement. The issue sparked an emergency BCB meeting, where security concerns for the full squad in India were discussed. Under ICC regulations, both the BCB and the government are required to formally lodge complaints regarding player safety.

Former Bangladesh cricketers and board officials criticised the BCCI and IPL for Mustafizur’s treatment. Former BCB director Khaled Mahmud described the incident as “deeply disappointing” and said it has embarrassed Bangladeshi fans, who traditionally support IPL teams featuring their players.

The controversy has further strained India-Bangladesh cricket relations. A planned limited-overs series in Bangladesh, including three ODIs and three T20Is, remains on hold due to ongoing security concerns raised by the BCCI.