Shift T20 World Cup matches from India, Bangladesh threatens to pull Mustafizur Rahman from IPL
Dhaka (The Uttam Hindu): Cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh have become strained after the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the team. KKR took this decision following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It is noteworthy that KKR had purchased Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.20 crore in the recent IPL mini-auction.
Following this development, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its matches scheduled for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India to another country, specifically Sri Lanka. The BCB will soon send a formal letter to the ICC to address this issue.
BCB concerned about players' safety in Kolkata
The BCB has serious concerns about the safety of its players in India, especially in Kolkata. Bangladesh is scheduled to play its first three matches in the T20 World Cup in February-March in Kolkata. An emergency meeting of the BCB Board of Directors was held on Saturday via Zoom. After the meeting, Media Committee Chairman Amjad Hussain told ESPNcricinfo that their three matches in the T20 World Cup are scheduled in Kolkata and after the recent developments, they will convey their concerns to the ICC.
Bangladesh Sports Advisor Asif
Nazrul has openly commented on the issue. He questioned the safety of Bangladeshi players in India and said that the recent events cited as the reason for Mustafizur Rahman's exclusion from the IPL are extremely concerning.
Asif Nazrul stated in a social media post that if a contracted Bangladeshi player cannot play in India, how can the entire Bangladeshi team feel safe during a major tournament like the World Cup. He also said that for this reason, the BCB should request to move its World Cup matches to Sri Lanka. He also demanded a ban on IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's matches
in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 are scheduled to be played in Kolkata and Mumbai. The team will play its first match against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on February 7, but given the current situation, the venue for these matches has now become a matter of concern.