Bangladesh refuses to travel to India for T20 World Cup 2026, cites major reason

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has refused to send its team to India for the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7. The BCB has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting that all of Bangladesh’s matches be held in Sri Lanka instead of India.

BCB director Khalid Mahmud Pilot raised concerns over security arrangements in India, stating that if the safety of even a single player cannot be guaranteed, it becomes difficult to trust the security of the entire team. He clearly said that under the current circumstances, the Bangladesh team will not travel to India to play.

Tension escalated after IPL controversy

The decision is being linked to the recent dispute between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The controversy began after the BCCI instructed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the squad.

KKR had bought Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.20 crore in the recent IPL auction, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history. However, amid protests over alleged violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh, his inclusion sparked controversy, following which the BCCI took action.

All eyes on ICC decision

The BCB has stated that player safety is its top priority and this concern is the primary reason behind refusing to play in India. The final decision now rests with the ICC, as it could impact the tournament’s schedule and hosting arrangements. The issue is being seen not just as a cricket-related matter, but also as one involving diplomacy and security, which may influence international cricket in the coming days.