After Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman following a directive from the BCCI, the issue began to escalate quickly. The decision raised concerns within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) about the safety of its players and the overall situation. Soon, the matter moved beyond the IPL and into international cricket, prompting the BCB to approach the International Cricket Council (ICC). The board has requested that Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches be relocated from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. Bangladesh are currently scheduled to play their group-stage matches in Kolkata and Mumbai during the tournament, which India and Sri Lanka will jointly host.
Bangladesh Cricket Board seeks relocation of T20 World Cup matches slated for India and Sri Lanka. BCB says the Bangladesh team will not travel to India under the current circumstances, raising fresh questions over the tournament schedule. 🏏🇧🇩#BangladeshCricket… pic.twitter.com/pjO3hPtLmO
— Buzz Alerts (@BuzzAlertsLive) January 4, 2026
BCCI Calls Relocation Demand Impractical
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reacted strongly to the reports. A BCCI source said that changing match venues at this stage would be extremely difficult. According to the board, such a move would create major logistical challenges for the tournament.
The source explained that teams’ travel plans, hotel bookings, and broadcast schedules are already finalised. With three matches planned each day across two countries, shifting Bangladesh’s games would affect multiple teams and organisers. The BCCI made it clear that schedules cannot be altered simply because one board has raised concerns.
What Led to Current Situation
Tensions first escalated following unrest in Bangladesh, including reports of Bangladeshi Hindus being killed, which worsened relations between the two countries. After this, the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the IPL 2026 season. This decision led the Bangladesh sports ministry to intervene and request the BCB to raise the issue with the ICC.
Government adviser Asif Nazrul said that if a Bangladeshi player could not feel safe playing in India despite having a contract, then the national team’s safety also needs to be reconsidered. The ICC has not yet responded to the matter.
