The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) to request a change of venue for its matches in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. This development follows the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s directive to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the IPL 2026 season. The BCCI cited "recent developments" and unrest in Bangladesh as the reason, amid reports of violence against Hindu minorities that sparked political controversy in India. KKR, owned by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, confirmed the release on January 3, 2026, after acquiring Mustafizur for INR 9.20 crore in the December 2025 mini-auction. Bangladesh's Group C fixtures include matches against West Indies (February 7), Italy (February 9), and England (February 14) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, plus one against Nepal (February 17) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The BCB's move stems from growing apprehension over the safety of its players traveling to India, heightened by the IPL decision and escalating bilateral tensions between the two countries. A top BCB official indicated that the board views the BCCI's action as a significant indicator and plans to formally raise the venue issue with the ICC promptly, drawing parallels to Pakistan's refusal to play in India for recent events. The T20 World Cup 2026 features 20 teams across eight venues—five in India (including Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and New Delhi) and three in Sri Lanka—with Bangladesh's group-stage games scheduled exclusively in Indian cities. The request comes at a time when diplomatic strains have also led to the postponement or uncertainty of bilateral series, including India's planned white-ball tour of Bangladesh originally rescheduled for September 2026.
This situation highlights the intersection of geopolitics and international cricket, reminiscent of past instances where security or political concerns prompted venue adjustments in ICC events. The BCCI has not yet commented on the BCB's intended approach to the ICC, while the global governing body has maintained that schedules remain subject to review based on operational and security assessments. Bangladesh's concerns echo broader regional dynamics, including minority safety issues in Bangladesh that prompted public and political backlash in India, leading to Mustafizur's exclusion from IPL play. The BCB emphasized player welfare as the primary motivation for seeking alternative venues, potentially in Sri Lanka or elsewhere, though no specific alternatives have been publicly detailed.
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As the T20 World Cup approaches in just over a month, the ICC faces the challenge of balancing tournament integrity with emerging diplomatic realities. No immediate response from the ICC has been reported, and the outcome of Bangladesh's request could impact logistics for Group C teams and the overall schedule. Meanwhile, KKR has been permitted to sign a replacement player, and cricket authorities in both nations continue to monitor the fluid situation amid calls for dialogue to ensure the safe participation of all teams in the prestigious event.
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