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Bangladesh are set to formally approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) to request the relocation of their T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka, following the controversial release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad. The development comes against the backdrop of worsening political sensitivities between India and Bangladesh, raising concerns within the Bangladesh cricket establishment over player safety and the overall environment for the national team.
BCB to write to ICC amid Mustafizur Rahman controversy
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is expected to submit a detailed representation to the ICC, expressing apprehension about hosting their initial World Cup fixtures in India. Bangladesh are scheduled to play their first three matches of the tournament in Kolkata, a venue now at the center of the controversy.
Following an emergency meeting of BCB directors held via Zoom on Saturday, media committee chairman Amzad Hussain confirmed the board’s intent to escalate the matter. He stated that recent events had forced the board to reconsider whether the team would feel secure playing in Kolkata during a global event of such magnitude.
Bangladesh’s sports adviser Asif Nazrul added further weight to the issue by publicly questioning the safety of Bangladeshi players in India. His remarks came after the Board of Control for Cricket in India cited “recent developments” while instructing the Knight Riders to release Mustafizur ahead of IPL 2026.
Nazrul said he had directed the BCB to explain the entire situation to the ICC and seek a neutral alternative venue. He also suggested that if a contracted Bangladeshi player could not participate in India-based leagues, it would be difficult for the national side to feel fully assured about travelling there for a World Cup.
“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 be held in Sri Lanka,” Nazrul wrote on his official Facebook page.
Also READ: BCCI asks Shah Rukh Khan’s KKR to part ways with Mustafizur Rahman ahead of IPL 2026
Call to move matches to Sri Lanka
In his statement, Nazrul specifically named Sri Lanka as the preferred alternative host for Bangladesh’s matches. He also revealed that he had requested the country’s information and broadcasting ministry to stop telecasting the Indian Premier League in Bangladesh, highlighting the seriousness of the government’s response.
The move underlines how the issue has extended beyond cricket administration into the political and diplomatic sphere, potentially placing the ICC in a challenging position as tournament organizers.
KKR confirm Mustafizur’s release
Following the BCCI’s directive, KKR officially confirmed Mustafizur’s release from their IPL 2026 squad. The franchise had acquired the left-arm pacer for a significant sum at the auction last month, but the signing reportedly drew criticism from certain political and spiritual groups in India in recent days.
Also READ: IPL 2026: 3 players KKR can sign to replace Mustafizur Rahman if he misses out
