Bangladesh Cricket Board Requests ICC to Relocate T20 World Cup Matches Amid Safety Concerns

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided against sending its men's team to India for the T20 World Cup, citing safety concerns. Following the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders, the BCB has formally requested the ICC to relocate their matches to ensure player safety. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra highlighted the logistical challenges of rescheduling matches with only a month left before the tournament. The BCB's emergency meeting concluded that under current conditions, the team will not travel to India, and they await an urgent response from the ICC regarding their request.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 4, 2026, 23:39 IST

BCB's Decision on T20 World Cup Participation

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has opted not to send its men's cricket team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, following the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed that rescheduling matches to a different venue with only a month remaining before the tournament begins will be a challenging task.

Formal Request to ICC for Match Relocation

In an official statement, the BCB has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move Bangladesh's matches for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to locations outside of India. This request is based on concerns regarding the 'safety and security' of the Bangladeshi players. The BCB emphasized that the team will not travel to India for the tournament, which is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, due to escalating worries about the safety of the Bangladesh contingent. This decision follows KKR's announcement regarding Mustafizur Rahman's removal from their IPL roster, which was influenced by directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) concerning the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh.

Aakash Chopra Discusses Logistical Challenges

Aakash Chopra took to Instagram to comment on the situation, stating, 'With just one month left until the T20 World Cup starts on February 7, the ICC must now decide how to proceed.' He noted that this scenario differs from India's previous decision to withdraw from the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, as India had communicated their stance well in advance. Chopra highlighted the logistical difficulties in rearranging numerous matches on such short notice, contrasting it with the earlier situation where India had ample time to prepare.

BCB's Emergency Meeting on Safety Concerns

The BCB convened an emergency meeting to address the recent developments regarding the T20 World Cup 2026. The board expressed significant concern over the circumstances affecting the Bangladesh National Team's participation in matches scheduled in India. After a comprehensive evaluation of the situation and considering advice from the Bangladesh Government, the board concluded that the team would not travel to India under the current conditions.

Request for Urgent ICC Response

The BCB has formally urged the ICC to relocate all of Bangladesh's matches to ensure the safety of players and officials. They are awaiting a prompt response from the ICC regarding this matter. The board believes that relocating the matches is essential for the well-being of the players and other stakeholders, allowing the team to compete in a secure environment.

Mustafizur Rahman's Release: A Catalyst for Concerns

KKR's media advisory confirmed Mustafizur Rahman's release, stating that the BCCI/IPL instructed the franchise to release him ahead of the upcoming IPL season. This decision followed comments from BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who indicated that the board had directed KKR to release Rahman due to recent developments. The inclusion of the Bangladeshi player had sparked political controversy in India, particularly in light of the recent targeting of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.