The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reacted to reports suggesting that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is preparing to approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) to seek a relocation of Bangladesh’s matches in the T20 World Cup 2026 from India to Sri Lanka.
The development follows the ongoing controversy surrounding Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which has added strain to cricketing relations between the two boards.
The 20-team T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held jointly in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, with Bangladesh drawn in Group A alongside England, Italy, Nepal, and the West Indies.
Bangladesh are currently slated to play matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. However, according to ESPNcricinfo, the BCB is considering writing to the ICC to request a review of security arrangements in India and a possible venue change.
Reacting to the reports, a senior BCCI source described the proposed move as highly impractical.
“You can’t just change games at someone’s whim. It is a logistical nightmare,” the source told news agency PTI.
“Opposition teams’ flights and hotels are already booked. On each matchday, three games are scheduled, including one in Sri Lanka. Broadcast crews and operational teams are also involved, so it is easier said than done.”
Tensions Escalate After Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Exit
The situation intensified on Saturday after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad ahead of the 2026 season. The franchise had acquired the 30-year-old pacer for ₹9.20 crore but acted on a directive from the BCCI to release him.
The decision came amid growing political and diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh, following recent developments in the region.
In response, the BCB held an emergency meeting and was instructed by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Sports to formally raise concerns with the ICC.
“As the adviser in charge of the Ministry of Sports, I have instructed the Cricket Board to put the entire matter in writing and explain it to the ICC,” government adviser Asif Nazrul wrote in a Facebook post.
He added that the board should clarify that if a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot participate in the IPL despite being under contract, concerns around the national team’s safety during the World Cup must also be addressed.
Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 Match Schedule
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vs West Indies – February 7 (Kolkata)
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vs Italy – February 9 (Kolkata)
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vs England – February 14 (Kolkata)
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vs Nepal – February 17 (Mumbai)
As of now, no official request has been confirmed by the ICC, and the tournament schedule remains unchanged.
