Sun Jan 04 03:02:59 UTC 2026: Bangladesh Seeks T20 World Cup Match Shift Amid Player Safety Concerns
DHAKA – The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is under government instruction to request that the International Cricket Council (ICC) relocate Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup league matches from India to Sri Lanka. The move follows concerns regarding player safety after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was unexpectedly released from his Indian Premier League (IPL) contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Government advisor Asif Nazrul stated he directed the BCB to formally communicate to the ICC, led by Jay Shah, that if a Bangladeshi cricketer under contract cannot participate in India, the national team’s safety in India during the World Cup is compromised. Nazrul emphasized the need for the BCB to explicitly state these concerns to the ICC, requesting the relocation of the four scheduled matches: against West Indies, Italy, and England in Kolkata, and against Nepal in Mumbai.
The BCCI, however, deemed the request logistically challenging, citing the proximity of the tournament and the advanced arrangements for teams, including travel and accommodation. Additionally, the existing schedule includes matches in Sri Lanka, adding complexity to any potential changes.
The situation is further complicated by political tensions between India and Bangladesh following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who sought refuge in India last year. Although the BCCI did not explicitly attribute Rahman’s release to the political climate, they acknowledged that “what’s been happening all around” factored into the decision. Reports indicate that Hindus have been targeted in violent attacks since Hasina’s removal.
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