Bangladesh Refuses to Play T20 World Cup Matches in India Over Safety Concerns

Bangladesh has announced it will not play its scheduled matches in India during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, citing serious concerns over player safety amid escalating political tensions between the two countries.

The decision was confirmed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) after an emergency board meeting, held following the abrupt removal of star fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The board said it has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka.

Player Safety Cited as Primary Concern

In a statement released on Sunday, the BCB said the decision was taken after “a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation” and based on advice from the Bangladesh Government.

“The board of directors resolved that the Bangladesh national team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions,” the statement said.
“This step is necessary to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of Bangladeshi players, team officials, board members and other stakeholders.”

The board also urged the ICC to act swiftly to ensure Bangladesh can participate in the tournament in a secure environment.

Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Removal Triggers Fallout

Tensions intensified after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for IPL 2026.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the move, citing “recent developments” and adding that franchises would be allowed replacements if required.

Bangladesh’s Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul sharply criticised the decision, stating that if a contracted Bangladeshi player could not play safely in India, the national team could not feel secure either.

He later welcomed the BCB’s move to seek relocation of World Cup fixtures, saying Bangladesh would not tolerate “any insult to Bangladeshi cricket or cricketers”.

Impact on T20 World Cup 2026

India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled from February 7 to March 8. Bangladesh were originally slated to play all group-stage matches in India, including fixtures at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

If the ICC approves the request, Bangladesh would become the second team to have its matches shifted out of India, following Pakistan, whose games will be hosted entirely in Sri Lanka under an ICC-brokered agreement.

Political Tensions Spill Into Sport

Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated sharply in recent months following incidents of communal violence, diplomatic disagreements, and protests in both countries.

The strain has already affected cricketing ties, with multiple bilateral tours postponed indefinitely. The latest controversy has sparked calls within Bangladesh to boycott IPL broadcasts, further highlighting how political tensions are increasingly spilling over into sport.

With the World Cup just weeks away, the ICC now faces mounting pressure to address security concerns while ensuring the smooth conduct of one of cricket’s biggest global tournaments.