With the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 kicking off on February 7 in India (co-hosted with Sri Lanka), a major controversy has erupted over Bangladesh's participation. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has requested the ICC to shift its Group C matches out of India—specifically from Kolkata and Mumbai—citing security concerns for players, staff, and officials amid strained bilateral relations.

The row intensified after the BCCI instructed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their 2026 squad due to "recent developments" (widely linked to geopolitical tensions and reports of minority issues in Bangladesh). In response, the BCB sent multiple communications to the ICC, including a second detailed letter outlining specific safety worries and proposing relocation to Sri Lanka. The ICC has reportedly rejected the request, emphasizing its full security blueprint and warning that refusal to travel could lead to forfeited points or other consequences.

The BCCI has distanced itself, with secretary Devajit Saikia stating it's "not our domain" and that the final say lies with the ICC.

Also Read: Bangladesh to Seek T20 World Cup Venue Change After Mustafizur Rahman Release

Amid the uncertainty—less than a month before the tournament—Bangladesh players are caught in the crossfire. All-rounder Mahedi Hasan, part of the 15-member squad, delivered a confident and memorable response when asked about the stalemate:

"Uncertainty is a management issue—something for the officials to deal with. The players' job is simply to play. Even if you send players to Mars, they will go and play. I don't think any player has any doubts about that." His words highlight the players' focus on cricket despite off-field drama. However, former captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (not in the current World Cup squad) offered a more cautious view, noting the mental toll of such controversies:

"You'll notice that before every World Cup, something or other happens with us. As a player who has played in a few World Cups, I can tell you that such things have an effect. We put on an act that nothing affects us, that we are highly professional cricketers. But even you all know that we are acting. It's not easy. In my view, players still try to figure out how to put these things aside and perform for the team. But it would be better if these issues didn't exist. At the same time, I'd say this situation is beyond our [players'] control."

Bangladesh's Group C schedule includes:

• February 7: vs West Indies (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
• February 9: vs Italy (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
• February 14: vs England (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
• February 17: vs Nepal (Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai)

The ICC continues to engage with the BCB, offering assurances, but the final decision rests with Bangladesh. The situation underscores ongoing challenges in separating politics from cricket, with players like Mahedi urging focus on the game itself.

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