Bangladesh Cricket Board Opts Out of T20 World Cup in India Amid Controversy

In a significant move, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has opted not to send its men's senior cricket team to India for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. This decision follows the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders, which was influenced by political tensions surrounding the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Sports advisor Asif Nazrul has publicly supported the BCB's stance, emphasizing the need for a shift in the venue for Bangladesh's matches. The team is set to begin its World Cup campaign on February 7 against West Indies, but the backdrop of controversy raises questions about the implications for cricket relations between the two nations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 5, 2026, 02:09 IST

BCB's Decision to Withdraw from T20 World Cup

Dhaka [Bangladesh], January 4: Asif Nazrul, the sports advisor for Bangladesh, praised the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) decision to refrain from sending the men's senior cricket team to India for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Following a directors' meeting on Sunday, the BCB announced that it would not participate in the T20 World Cup scheduled in India. This decision comes in light of the recent release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which was reportedly directed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Rahman's inclusion in KKR faced significant backlash due to ongoing issues regarding the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh.

Mustafizur was acquired by KKR for an impressive Rs 9.20 crore during the IPL auction last December.

On social media, Nazrul expressed his support for the BCB's decision, stating, "Bangladesh will not go to India for the World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board made this decision today. I welcome this decision, taken in response to the Indian cricket board's extreme communal policies."

Additionally, the BCB has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh's matches from India to Sri Lanka, according to a BCB official.

KKR confirmed on Saturday that Mustafizur Rahman has been removed from their IPL 2026 squad following instructions from the BCCI.

A media advisory from KKR stated, "Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL, as the regulator of IPL, has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League season."

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia mentioned that the board had directed KKR to release Rahman due to recent developments.

"Due to the recent developments occurring, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, and they will allow any requested replacements," Saikia stated.

The inclusion of the Bangladeshi player has led to political controversy in India, especially concerning the recent targeting of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, raising various opinions about Rahman's selection for IPL 2026.

Bangladesh is set to kick off their T20 World Cup 2026 journey on February 7 against the two-time champions, West Indies, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Following the match against West Indies, Bangladesh will compete against Italy on February 9 at the same venue, and then face the reigning T20 World Cup champions, England, also in Kolkata. After these matches, they will head to Mumbai to take on Nepal at Wankhede Stadium.

The World Cup will commence on February 7 with a match between Pakistan and the Netherlands in Colombo.