The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to formally approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) with a request to relocate Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 from India to Sri Lanka, citing serious security concerns.
The decision was taken during an emergency virtual meeting of the BCB, chaired by board president Aminul Islam, where officials discussed player safety ahead of the global tournament scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
According to sources familiar with the meeting, the board agreed to immediately write to the ICC seeking clarification on security arrangements for the Bangladesh team, particularly for matches planned in India.
BCB officials questioned how the safety of an entire squad could be ensured during the World Cup when, in their view, adequate protection could not be guaranteed even for a single Bangladeshi player during a domestic league event in India.
Issue Linked to Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Exit
The development follows the release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
KKR earlier stated that Rahman was released on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), adding that the move followed consultations and league regulations, and that the franchise would be allowed to sign a replacement player.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia later confirmed to Indian media that the decision was influenced by recent tensions and unrest linked to the participation of a Bangladeshi cricketer in the league.
Bangladeshi media reports have claimed that pressure from religious and political groups in India played a role in the decision, and that KKR acted on direct guidance from the BCCI. However, no official written explanation was shared with the BCB prior to Rahman’s release.
BCB to Write Separately to ICC, IPL, and BCCI
In response, the BCB has decided to send separate letters to the ICC, the IPL governing council, and the BCCI, seeking formal clarification regarding Rahman’s release and broader security concerns.
While the board acknowledges that IPL-related matters fall under the league’s internal framework, officials believe that World Cup venues and team safety are issues that require direct ICC intervention.
A senior BCB official indicated that one option under consideration is requesting the ICC to move all Bangladesh matches scheduled in India to Sri Lanka, subject to approval.
Matches That Could Be Affected
Under the current T20 World Cup 2026 schedule, Bangladesh are placed in Group C and are set to play:
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West Indies – 7 February (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
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Italy – 9 February (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
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England – 14 February (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
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Nepal – 17 February (Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai)
These fixtures could be relocated if the ICC accepts Bangladesh’s request.
What Happens Next
The ICC is expected to review the BCB’s concerns and correspondence before taking any decision on venue changes. Until then, Bangladesh’s participation in India-hosted matches remains under review as the board awaits formal responses from cricket’s global and regional governing bodies.
Via: Propakistani
