The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has asked the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches for the 2026 T20 World Cup away from India, citing security concerns. Following the request, the International Cricket Council has begun working on a revised schedule for the tournament, which is set to begin on February 7.
Tensions between the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the Board of Control for Cricket in India have escalated after Mustafizur Rahman was released from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for IPL 2026. The BCCI directive triggered a dispute between the two boards and strained cricketing ties between the two nations.
Mustafizur Rahman's IPL Release & Escalating Tensions
The BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman despite the franchise having secured him for a significant fee at the auction. The decision came amid rising political and social tensions between India and Bangladesh.
KKR complied with the directive and released the pacer soon after. This move prompted an immediate response from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, which called an emergency meeting to assess the situation.
Following the release and amid reports of backlash and security threats, the BCB approached the International Cricket Council. The board requested that Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup be moved out of India and shifted to Sri Lanka, citing growing safety concerns.
ICC Scrambles to Revise T20 World Cup Schedule After Bangladesh's India Refusal
According to a report in The Indian Express, the International Cricket Council has begun working on a revised tournament schedule due to growing tensions between India and Bangladesh. The process is being overseen by ICC chairman Jay Shah, following the request that prompted the review.
"Following the request, The Indian Express has learnt that the ICC, led by chairman Jay Shah, has initiated the process of drawing up a fresh schedule," the report read.
Bangladesh were scheduled to play all their group-stage games of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India, with three matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. However, the ICC may now consider a Pakistan-style arrangement for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh were placed in Group C alongside the West Indies, Nepal, Italy, and England. They could see changes to their match venues if plans are revised. The team last toured India in mid-2024, when they featured in a two-match Test series followed by three T20 internationals.
T20 World Cup Schedule Change Poses Major Challenge for Organizers
The organizers now face a tough task as they try to change the T20 World Cup schedule, with the tournament starting on February 7. There is very little time left, and the event will be played across venues in India and Sri Lanka.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has already announced its World Cup squad. Litton Kumar Das will lead the 15-member team in the 20-team tournament.
Bangladesh’s request has created a situation similar to Pakistan’s. On government advice, Pakistan will play all its matches, including knockout games if they qualify, in Sri Lanka instead of India.
Earlier, during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, Bangladeshi journalists faced visa problems. Last month, India also closed visa services at two centres in Bangladesh, citing security reasons.
Also read: Bangladesh T20 World Cup squad announced amid Mustafizur Rahman row; Hindu cricketer named captain
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