Bangladesh mulls skipping India leg of 2026 T20 World Cup after Mustafizur release
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken a firm stance after a high-profile development in the lead-up to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Following a decision that saw Kolkata Knight Riders release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the 2026 Indian Premier League at the direction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the BCB indicated it may not travel to India for its scheduled World Cup matches.
What the BCB is asking for
Dr. Asif Nazrul, Youth and Sports Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, said he instructed the BCB to formally request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate all of Bangladesh’s matches to a neutral venue — with Sri Lanka the likely option. He argued that if a contracted Bangladeshi cricketer could not feel safe playing in India, it would be unreasonable to expect the full national side to travel there for the tournament.
The BCB has reportedly also sought help from Sri Lanka Cricket to host Bangladesh’s fixtures if the ICC agrees to a venue change.
How the ICC and BCCI fit into the picture
Sources including ESPNCricinfo indicate the ICC is unlikely to accept a wholesale relocation request and is expected to push the previously agreed schedule. If the ICC convinces the BCB to stick to the original plan, Bangladesh would remain in India for its group-stage matches and will not move to Sri Lanka.
From the BCCI side, the decision to ask KKR to release Mustafizur was framed as a security-related measure amid concerns over religious tensions in Bangladesh. Those concerns have prompted the current row between the boards and raised questions about player safety and the conduct of international events across borders.
Financial and logistical impact on BCCI
- Because the T20 World Cup is an ICC tournament, the BCCI’s direct exposure would be limited if Bangladesh’s matches are shifted. Match hosting revenues and major commercial deals are largely handled through the ICC.
- If Bangladesh’s fixtures are moved to Sri Lanka, the ICC would be expected to cover the additional logistics and expenses for that relocation, meaning BCCI would avoid extra costs.
- At most, a change would affect local match-day revenues and any India-specific sponsorships tied to those fixtures in Kolkata and Mumbai.
Bangladesh’s scheduled group matches in India
If the original schedule stands, Bangladesh will play three of its group matches at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and one at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The fixtures are:
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| February 7, 2026 | West Indies | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| February 9, 2026 | Italy | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| February 14, 2026 | England | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| February 17, 2026 | Nepal | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
What happens next
The immediate next step is a formal request from the BCB to the ICC asking for neutral-venue clearance. The ICC’s decision will determine whether Bangladesh relocates those matches or travels to India as planned. If the ICC rejects the request and the BCB stands its ground, further diplomatic and cricket-board level discussions are likely.
For now, fans and stakeholders will be watching closely: the outcome will affect tournament logistics, team preparations and the broader relationship between the boards as cricket’s global calendar approaches one of its biggest events.