Bangladesh Cricket Board Withdraws Team from T20 World Cup 2026 in India
BCB's Decision on T20 World Cup Participation
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made the decision to refrain from sending its senior men's cricket team to India for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. This conclusion was reached during a directors' meeting held on Sunday, as reported by a local news outlet. Additionally, the BCB has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh's matches from India to Sri Lanka.
Impact of Mustafizur Rahman's IPL Exclusion
This decision follows the announcement from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) that they have removed Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). This action was taken upon instruction from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
A statement from KKR confirmed, "Kolkata Knight Riders acknowledges that BCCI/IPL, as the governing body of IPL, has directed us to release Mustafizur Rahman from the team ahead of the upcoming IPL season."
BCCI's Justification for the Decision
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained that the board had mandated KKR to release the Bangladeshi pacer due to "recent developments". He stated, "In light of the ongoing situation, BCCI has instructed KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from their roster, and they will be permitted to seek a replacement if necessary."
The selection of Mustafizur Rahman had incited political controversy in India, especially in the context of recent events affecting Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, leading to mixed reactions regarding his inclusion in KKR's IPL 2026 lineup. Mustafizur was acquired by KKR for a substantial sum of Rs 9.20 crore during the IPL auction last December.
Bangladesh's T20 World Cup Schedule
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 this match, they 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 their match against England, the team 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.