Bangladesh Ask ICC to Shift T20 World Cup Games From India to Sri Lanka

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has informed the International Cricket Council that the Bangladesh men’s team will not travel to India for its scheduled matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, citing concerns related to player safety and the prevailing political climate in India.

The T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in February and March 2026, is being jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh is placed in Group C and was originally set to play its group stage fixtures at venues in India. The BCB has now formally requested that these matches be shifted to Sri Lanka instead.

According to officials in Dhaka, the decision follows consultations with the Bangladesh government and internal security assessments by the government. The board has maintained that the safety and well-being of players and support staff remains its top priority under the current circumstances.

Background to the Standoff

Tensions between the two cricket boards escalated following the removal of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League. Mustafizur, who had been signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the mini auction for a big amount of Rs 9.20 crore, was released after directives linked to administrative and diplomatic considerations and ‘development all around,’ as specified by BCCI.

The decision has become a debated issue in both the geopolitical and cricketing circles. This has raised questions about the player rights in such cases, as Mustafizur didn’t withdraw voluntarily nor was accused of any wrongdoings. The move triggered strong reactions in Bangladesh, both from the cricketing fraternity and the public. Soon after, the Bangladesh government suspended the broadcast of the IPL within the country, further underlining the seriousness of the dispute.

While Indian authorities have not publicly acknowledged any security concerns, the BCB has stood by its position, stating that the decision is preventive rather than reactive.

ICC Faces Scheduling Challenge

The ICC now faces a difficult decision. If Bangladesh’s request is accepted, the tournament schedule will need to be adjusted, with Sri Lanka expected to host Bangladesh’s group matches. Such a move would preserve Bangladesh’s participation while maintaining the integrity of the competition.

However, if no agreement is reached between the concerned parties and Bangladesh continues to oppose travelling to India, the Bangladesh team could be forced to forfeit matches or potentially withdraw from the tournament entirely. This would mark an unprecedented situation for a full member nation at a global ICC event.

Cricket and Diplomacy Once Again Intersect

The episode highlights how international cricket, particularly in South Asia, continues to be influenced by broader political and diplomatic developments. While the sport has often served as a bridge between nations, this situation shows how quickly off-field tensions can spill into the game.

With the World Cup drawing closer, the ICC is expected to hold urgent discussions with all stakeholders. A resolution will be crucial not only for Bangladesh’s campaign but also for ensuring that the tournament proceeds smoothly without undermining its competitive balance and spirit.