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The release of Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad ahead of IPL 2026 has snowballed into a major administrative dispute between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Mustafizur, who was bought by KKR for ₹9.2 crore at the mini-auction, was officially released on January 2, following a directive from the BCCI. The decision cited “recent developments” amid rising political tensions and reported violence against minorities in Bangladesh, raising broader concerns about player security and diplomatic sensitivities.
BCCI confirms directive behind Mustafizur’s IPL exit
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that franchises were instructed to release the Bangladeshi pacer, while clarifying that KKR would be allowed to sign a replacement. He also stated that, as of now, the BCCI has not received any official communication from the Indian government regarding restrictions on foreign players.
Despite this clarification, the move has been perceived in Bangladesh as a signal that Bangladeshi cricketers may face uncertainty when playing in India – an interpretation that has escalated the issue beyond the IPL.
Bangladesh pushes for the movement of T20 World Cup matches
In response, the Bangladesh Sports Ministry stepped in. Adviser Asif Nazrul instructed the BCB to formally approach the International Cricket Council with a request to move Bangladesh’s Group A matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 from India to Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh are scheduled to face England, Italy, Nepal and West Indies in the group stage.
Nazrul, writing in Bengali on Facebook, stated that if a Bangladeshi player under contract cannot play in India, then the national team cannot feel assured about safety while travelling there. He added that the matter must be formally documented and placed before the ICC, along with a clear request to stage Bangladesh’s matches in Sri Lanka instead.
BCCI rejects feasibility of venue shift
The BCCI has responded firmly, calling the proposed venue shift impractical with the tournament less than a month away. A senior BCCI source dismissed the demand, highlighting the logistical complexity involved in altering a World Cup schedule at such a late stage.
According to the source, match-day logistics – including international travel, hotel bookings, broadcast arrangements, and venue coordination – have already been finalized. With three matches scheduled on most days across India and Sri Lanka, relocating fixtures would disrupt not just Bangladesh’s plans but also those of multiple opposition teams and broadcasters.
“You can’t just change games at someone’s whims and fancies. It is a logistical nightmare. Think about opposition teams. Their air tickets, hotels are booked,” the BCCI source was quoted as saying by NDTV.
“Also on all days there are three games each which means one game is in Sri Lanka. There is broadcast crew. So it will be easier said than done,” he added.
Growing tension ahead of marquee ICC event
The controversy has cast an unexpected shadow over preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026, raising questions about how geopolitical issues intersect with global sporting events. While the BCCI maintains that Mustafizur’s IPL release does not automatically translate into national-team safety concerns, Bangladesh officials appear unconvinced.
With the ICC yet to respond publicly, the standoff places the governing body in a delicate position. Any decision will need to balance logistical realities with diplomatic sensitivities, all while ensuring player safety and tournament integrity.
As things stand, Bangladesh’s matches remain scheduled in India, and BCCI sources remain confident no changes will be made. However, the Mustafizur Rahman episode has already ensured that the lead-up to the T20 World Cup 2026 will be closely watched—both on and off the field.
Also READ: Bangladesh name squad for T20 World Cup 2026; no place for Jaker Ali
