The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move its T20 World Cup 2026 league matches from India to Sri Lanka amid growing security concerns, officials confirmed.
The request comes after Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), raising doubts about player safety. Rahman had been bought in last month’s UAE auction for 9.2 crore Indian rupees but was later dropped on BCCI instructions.
Bangladesh Sports Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul Islam said the board has been instructed to submit a formal application to the ICC, emphasizing that if a single player cannot feel secure in India, the national team’s safety is also at risk.
Bangladesh is scheduled to play its first four T20 World Cup matches as follows: against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, England on February 14, and Nepal on February 17. The first three matches are set in Kolkata, while the fourth is scheduled for Mumbai.
However, BCCI sources warned that changing venues with just a month to go is “almost impossible,” citing pre-booked flights, hotels, and broadcast arrangements. “It is easy to say, but very difficult to execute,” one official said.
Tensions between India and Bangladesh have escalated following IPL incidents, mirroring previous disputes, such as India’s refusal to allow Pakistan to play in the Champions Trophy, which led to neutral venues for matches. Under that arrangement, Pakistan’s World Cup fixtures are set to take place in Sri Lanka.
