Bangladesh have formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that they will not travel to India for their matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, citing concerns over the “safety and wellbeing” of players amid rising political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
The decision was taken following an emergency meeting of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday, less than five weeks before the tournament is scheduled to begin on February 7. Bangladesh are currently slated to play all four of their group-stage matches in India, with fixtures in Kolkata and Mumbai.
BCB seek relocation of matches to Sri Lanka
In a strongly worded statement, the BCB said it has formally requested the ICC to relocate all of Bangladesh’s matches outside India, preferably to Sri Lanka, the tournament’s co-host nation.
“Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and the growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India, and considering advice from the Bangladesh Government, the board of directors resolved that the national team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions,” the statement read.
“The board believes that such a step is necessary to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of Bangladeshi players, team officials, board members and other stakeholders, and to ensure participation in a secure and appropriate environment.”
Mustafizur Rahman IPL release sparks crisis
The situation escalated after Mustafizur Rahman was abruptly released from Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 squad following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The move triggered strong reactions in Bangladesh and led to urgent discussions within the BCB.
Bangladesh’s sports adviser Asif Nazrul publicly criticised the decision, questioning player safety in India if a contracted Bangladeshi cricketer could be withdrawn under such circumstances.
“If a Bangladeshi player cannot feel safe playing in India despite having a contract, then how can the national team feel safe travelling there for a World Cup?” Nazrul wrote on social media, later backing the BCB’s decision to seek relocation.
Tournament faces scheduling uncertainty
Bangladesh’s stance throws the World Cup schedule into uncertainty, with the Tigers due to open their campaign against West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens, followed by matches against Italy and England in Kolkata, and Nepal in Mumbai.
The ICC has yet to issue an official response, but any relocation would require rapid logistical adjustments. Sri Lanka already hosts all of Pakistan’s matches under an ICC-approved arrangement, as Pakistan will not travel to India due to long-standing political tensions.
If approved, Bangladesh would become the second team to have its fixtures moved entirely out of India for the 2026 tournament.
Political tensions spill into cricket
Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated sharply in recent months following a series of political and communal incidents in the region. Sporting ties have also been affected, with bilateral tours postponed and increasing scrutiny around cross-border participation in major events.
The BCB has stressed that its decision is not political but rooted in player safety, adding that it remains committed to participating in the tournament if adequate security assurances are provided in an alternative venue.
Bangladesh still committed to the World Cup
Despite the standoff, Bangladesh have confirmed their intention to compete in the tournament and recently announced a 15-member squad led by Litton Das. However, the board made it clear that participation in India “under the current conditions” is not an option.
With the tournament fast approaching, the focus now shifts to the ICC and whether it will approve Bangladesh’s request — a decision that could set a significant precedent for future multi-nation events.
