Can the T20 World Cup Go On as Planned After Bangladesh’s Decision?

Bangladesh has announced it will not play its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, citing concerns over player safety following the removal of a senior national cricketer from the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The decision was confirmed by a senior government official amid escalating political and sporting tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser, Asif Nazrul, said the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally approached the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting that the team’s World Cup fixtures be shifted to Sri Lanka. The board has also sought an explanation for the sudden release of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL.

“Bangladesh will not travel to India to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has taken this decision today,” Nazrul said, adding that the move was made in the context of what he described as the “extreme communal policy” of India’s cricket administration.

IPL Exit Triggers Crisis

The standoff intensified after Mustafizur Rahman was released from Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) squad for IPL 2026. The decision followed an advisory from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), prompting strong reactions from Bangladeshi officials and cricket administrators.

In response, the BCB convened an emergency meeting on Saturday and decided to raise the issue with the ICC, citing serious concerns over the safety and dignity of Bangladeshi players.

In a social media post, Nazrul argued that if a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot safely fulfil a professional contract in India, it would be unreasonable to expect the national team to feel secure during a major international tournament.

“Where a Bangladeshi player is unable to play in India despite being contracted, the safety of the entire national team cannot be guaranteed,” he wrote, adding that Bangladesh’s matches should be relocated to Sri Lanka.

Nazrul also issued a strongly worded statement, asserting that Bangladesh would not tolerate what he termed disrespect towards its cricketers or the country itself.

BCB Emphasises Player Safety

BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul echoed the government’s position, stating that the board’s decisions would be guided solely by the security and dignity of its players.

“The safety and respect of our cricketers are our highest priorities. We will take decisions at the appropriate time with these considerations in mind,” Bulbul said.

Tournament Schedule at Risk

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Bangladesh is slated to play all its group-stage matches in India, with three fixtures scheduled at Eden Gardens in Kolkata and one at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

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