DHAKA (MNN); The Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided to approach the International Cricket Council to seek a change of venues for its matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India, following a growing controversy linked to the Indian Premier League.
The development comes after IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders dropped Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 season, a move that sparked strong reactions in Dhaka. The issue intensified amid reports that political pressure in India played a role in the decision.
Indian media reports said the Board of Control for Cricket in India advised KKR to remove the Bangladeshi pacer in view of the prevailing situation, while assuring the franchise it could name a replacement player.
Following Mustafizur’s exclusion, the BCB raised concerns about the safety and security of its players in India and indicated it would formally take up the matter with the ICC.
A senior BCB official said the issue would be referred to the global governing body, noting that while IPL team selections fall under the BCCI’s internal domain, the T20 World Cup is an ICC event and venue decisions rest with the ICC.
The official added that discussions with the ICC would take place soon, pointing to the precedent of the 2025 Champions Trophy, when Pakistan declined to host India after New Delhi refused to tour Pakistan.
Bangladesh are currently scheduled to play their World Cup matches on February 7 against West Indies, February 9 against Italy and February 14 against England at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, followed by a February 17 match against Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
Meanwhile, reports suggest the situation could further deteriorate, with indications that the BCCI is also considering postponing India’s tour of Bangladesh in 2026. The tour, part of Bangladesh’s home season starting in March, includes three ODIs and three T20Is and had already been deferred once from 2025.
So far, neither the ICC nor the BCCI has issued an official statement regarding Bangladesh’s concerns or the future of the bilateral series.
