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Summary:

The Bangladesh Sports Ministry has instructed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to request the ICC to move Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup league matches from India to Sri Lanka. This demand stems from concerns about the safety of Bangladeshi players after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), an IPL franchise, released Mustafizur Rahman, a Bangladeshi cricketer, allegedly under the instruction of the BCCI. The Bangladeshi government advisor cited that they are not able to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi cricketers, given the current state of the Bangladesh-India relationship. The situation is further complicated by recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, including the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and subsequent attacks on Hindus. The government advisor has also requested to suspend the broadcast of IPL in Bangladesh. The BCCI source, however, dismisses the possibility of shifting the games due to logistical complications. The BCB is seeking official confirmation from the BCCI regarding the reason behind Rahman’s release.

News Article:

Bangladesh Seeks World Cup Game Relocation Amidst Player Safety Concerns

New Delhi – January 4, 2026 – Tensions between India and Bangladesh are spilling onto the cricket field as the Bangladesh Sports Ministry has directed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to request a change in venue for its T20 World Cup league matches. Citing concerns over player safety, the Ministry wants Bangladesh’s games moved from India to Sri Lanka.

The move comes after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, released Bangladeshi left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who they had acquired for a substantial ₹9.20 crore at auction. According to sources within the Bangladeshi government, this release occurred at the behest of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

“As the adviser in charge of the Ministry of Sports, I have instructed the Cricket Control Board to put the entire matter in writing and explain it to the ICC,” Government advisor Asif Nazrul wrote on his Facebook page. “The board must make it clear that if a Bangladeshi cricketer, despite being under contract, cannot play in India, then the Bangladesh national team cannot feel safe traveling to India to play the World Cup.”

Bangladesh is scheduled to play four league games in India: three in Kolkata against West Indies (February 7), Italy (February 9), and England (February 14), and one in Mumbai against Nepal (February 17).

A BCCI source has dismissed the feasibility of such a last-minute relocation. “You can’t just change games at someone’s whims and fancies. It is a logistical nightmare,” the source said, pointing to the challenges of re-arranging travel, accommodations, and broadcast schedules.

The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of strained Indo-Bangladesh relations, triggered by the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year and the subsequent alleged targeting of Hindus. While the BCCI has not explicitly linked Rahman’s release to the political climate, they alluded to “what’s been happening all around.” The government advisor has also requested to suspend the broadcast of IPL in Bangladesh.

The BCB is reportedly seeking official clarification from the BCCI regarding the reasons behind Rahman’s release. The situation remains fluid, and the ICC is yet to comment on the potential relocation of the matches. India’s arch foe Pakistan is already playing its World Cup games in Sri Lanka.

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