New Delhi: Amid escalating political tensions between India and Bangladesh, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This development has further strained the sporting relations between the two nations. Consequently, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided not to send its national team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
The BCB released a statement following extensive discussions, citing security concerns as the primary reason for this decision. They have officially written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), urging the relocation of all Bangladesh matches scheduled 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,” the BCB stated.
The BCB’s statement continued, “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. The Bangladesh Cricket Board looks forward to the ICC’s understanding of the situation and an urgent response on this matter.”
Bangladesh’s Match Schedule: Currently, Bangladesh is set to face the West Indies in their first match of the T20 World Cup 2026. This encounter is scheduled to take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on February 7. However, with the BCB’s refusal to allow their national team to travel to India, the unfolding situation will require close attention as developments continue in the upcoming weeks.
