The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally notified the ICC that its national team will not travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup scheduled for February. Citing “uncontrollable” security concerns and the advice of its government, the BCB has requested all of its fixtures be relocated to Sri Lanka, the tournament’s co-host.
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1. Key Drivers of the Withdrawal
The decision follows a rapid decline in bilateral relations over the last few weeks:
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The Mustafizur Rahman Row: The BCCI recently instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his ₹9.2 crore contract. The BCB argued that if India cannot guarantee the safety of one contracted player, it cannot guarantee the safety of the entire squad.
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Diplomatic Tensions: Relations have been strained since the political transition in Dhaka (August 2024) and recent protests in New Delhi following the death of a Hindu worker in Mymensingh.
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Government Stance: Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser, labeled the BCCI’s actions as an “extreme communal policy” and stated, “The days of slavery are over.”
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2. Impact on T20 World Cup Schedule
Bangladesh was originally scheduled to play its Group C matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.
| Date (2026) | Original Fixture | Original Venue | Status |
| Feb 7 | West Indies vs Bangladesh | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Relocation Requested |
| Feb 9 | Bangladesh vs Italy | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Relocation Requested |
| Feb 14 | England vs Bangladesh | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Relocation Requested |
| Feb 17 | Bangladesh vs Nepal | Wankhede, Mumbai | Relocation Requested |
Hybrid Model: The ICC is reportedly working on a “Hybrid Model”—similar to the 2023 Asia Cup—where India remains the primary host, but specific teams play their matches at neutral venues (likely Colombo or Kandy).
3. Retaliatory Measures
In response to the BCCI’s directive, the Bangladesh government has taken immediate steps:
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IPL Broadcast Ban: Bangladesh has suspended the broadcast and telecast of IPL 2026 matches within the country.
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Bilateral Series on Hold: India’s scheduled tour of Bangladesh in September 2026 is now in “cold storage” as the BCCI is unlikely to seek government clearance to travel.
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