Bangladesh Cricket Team Withdraws from 2026 T20 World Cup in India Amid Tensions
Bangladesh's Decision on T20 World Cup Participation
On Sunday, Asif Nazrul, the Youth and Sports Adviser of Bangladesh, announced that the nation's cricket team will not participate in the upcoming 2026 Twenty20 World Cup, which is set to commence on February 7 in India.
Nazrul shared this decision via social media, stating, "The Bangladesh Cricket Board has made this choice today. We support this decision in light of the violent communal policies of the Cricket Board of India."
This announcement followed the Kolkata Knight Riders' decision to release Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the Indian Premier League, a move directed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
The backdrop to these developments includes rising diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka, particularly after the tragic killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh last December. India has consistently condemned the violence against religious minorities in the region.
On the same day, Khaled Mashud Pilot, director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, informed a local media outlet that they have formally requested the International Cricket Council to relocate their matches from India to Sri Lanka.
"If they [India] cannot guarantee the safety of one of our players, how can they ensure the security of our entire team?" Pilot questioned. "This is why we will not travel there to compete."
India is co-hosting the World Cup alongside Sri Lanka, as Pakistan has opted out of participating in the event.
The International Cricket Council has yet to respond to Bangladesh's request regarding the venue change.
Mustafizur Rahman was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders during the players' auction on December 16. He was one of seven Bangladeshi players available but the only one to attract bidders.
His selection sparked controversy, with various political factions and spiritual leaders criticizing actor Shah Rukh Khan for including Rahman in the team.
Spiritual leader Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya labeled Khan a "traitor" for signing the Bangladeshi player. Another leader, Devkinandan Thakur, also condemned the decision given the current situation in Bangladesh.
The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) referred to Bangladeshis as "enemies" and asserted that Khan should reconsider his decision to keep Rahman in the squad, emphasizing the need for national sentiment.
Rahman has participated in eight seasons of the Indian Premier League since 2016, representing teams such as Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. The forthcoming season would have marked his debut with the Kolkata Knight Riders.