BCB writes to ICC to move their T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India after KKR release Mustafizur Rahman - Reports

As per the original schedule of T20 World Cup 2026, Bangladesh will play al their games in India.

In a dramatic escalation of cricketing and diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) requesting the relocation of their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka.

The primary catalyst for this demand is Mustafizur Rahman’s abrupt exit from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The franchise, co-owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, acquired the left-arm pacer for Rs 9.2 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction but released him on Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) advice, citing “recent developments.” This followed India’s decision to postpone a planned tour to Bangladesh, amid accusations of minority persecution.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) letter, sent following an emergency meeting on January 3, 2026, highlights the board’s apprehensions about security in India. According to reports in ESPNCricinfo, the letter emphasizes that if a contracted Bangladeshi player like Mustafizur cannot be protected, the entire national team risks similar vulnerabilities during the tournament.

BCB writes to ICC to shift their T20 World Cup 2026 matches to Sri Lanka from India

BCB media committee chairman Amzad Hussain stated in the letter:

“We have three matches of the T20 World Cup in Kolkata, so we will write to the ICC regarding what has happened today.” Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul, from Bangladesh’s interim government, reinforced this stance, instructing the BCB to detail the matter explicitly.

“I have asked the BCB to explain the entire matter to the ICC. The board should inform that where a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India despite being contracted, the entire Bangladeshi cricket team cannot feel safe going to play in the World Cup. I have also instructed the board to request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches should be held in Sri Lanka.”

Nazrul added:

“We will not accept any insult to Bangladeshi cricket, cricketers and Bangladesh under any circumstances. The days of slavery are over.”

The letter also seeks clarification on security arrangements for players, fans, and officials, while requesting a formal explanation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding Mustafizur’s release.

Bangladesh Schedule for T20 World Cup 2026

Bangladesh are scheduled to play four group-stage matches in India: against West Indies (Feb 7), Italy (Feb 9), and England (Feb 14) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and Nepal (Feb 17) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Relocating to Sri Lanka, a co-host, mirrors the ICC’s handling of India-Pakistan relations in past tournaments, where neutral venues were used.

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