Bangladesh Cricket Board Requests Relocation of T20 World Cup Matches Due to Safety Concerns

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has formally requested the ICC to relocate its matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 from India due to safety concerns for its players. This decision follows the removal of Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL roster amid rising tensions regarding the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. The BCB is awaiting an urgent response from the ICC regarding their request to ensure a secure environment for the team during the tournament. Read on for more details about this developing situation.

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

BCB Seeks Venue Change for T20 World Cup Matches

Dhaka, Bangladesh - On January 4, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officially approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) to request that Bangladesh's matches in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 be moved to locations outside of India. This request stems from serious concerns regarding the safety and security of Bangladeshi players, as stated in a press release from the BCB.

The BCB has declared that the national team will not travel to India for the T20 World Cup, 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 the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) announcement that they have removed Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 lineup, following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) concerning the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh.

In an emergency meeting, the BCB's Board of Directors discussed the recent developments related to the T20 World Cup. They expressed significant concern regarding the circumstances affecting the Bangladesh National Team's participation in matches scheduled in India. After a comprehensive review 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.

The BCB's statement emphasized that they have formally requested the ICC to relocate all of Bangladesh's matches to ensure the safety of players and officials, and they are awaiting a prompt response.

The BCB's release stated, “In light of this decision, we have formally requested the ICC to consider moving all of Bangladesh's matches to a venue outside India. This step is deemed essential to protect the safety and well-being of our players, team officials, Board members, and other stakeholders, ensuring that the team can participate in a secure environment. We look forward to the ICC's understanding and an urgent response.”

A media advisory from KKR confirmed Mustafizur's release, stating, “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 IPL season.”

KKR's decision followed comments from BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who indicated that the BCCI had instructed KKR to release the Bangladeshi pacer due to recent developments.

Saikia noted, “Due to the recent developments occurring across the region, BCCI has instructed KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. If they request a replacement, BCCI will allow that.”

Mustafizur's inclusion in the KKR squad had sparked political controversy in India, particularly in light of recent incidents involving the targeting of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Various opinions emerged regarding his selection by KKR for the IPL 2026 season, where he was acquired for Rs 9.20 crores during the IPL auction last December.