Subhayan Chakraborty
The Bangladesh government and cricket authorities are maintaining a resolute position on relocating the national team’s matches in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 from India to co-host Sri Lanka, emphasising player safety and national dignity following the controversial release of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from his Indian Premier League (IPL) contract.
Sports adviser Asif Nazrul has reiterated that Bangladesh remains committed to participating in the global event, but only under conditions that prioritise the well-being of players, officials, and supporters. Discussions are ongoing, including potential meetings between ICC officials and the BCCI in the coming days as the tournament approaches in February.
The global body has already stated, in an earlier meeting, that rejigging the schedule a month before the tournament is not an option, citing India’s history of hosting multinational tournaments without any security lapses. If Bangladesh continues to press what the ICC has described as “agenda-driven” concerns, the governing body may have no option but to proceed with the tournament without Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, BCCI officials will hold a meeting in Mumbai today to discuss a range of issues. Whether the Bangladesh matter will be taken up in that meeting remains to be seen.
“We sat together with the BCB directors, Aminul Islam, Faruque bhai, and everyone else,” Nazrul told reporters on Wednesday. “Today we discussed the situation and we all agreed that Bangladesh earned qualification for the T20 World Cup through hard work. We are a cricket-crazy nation, and we definitely want to play.
“But we do not want to play the World Cup at the cost of national humiliation, the security of our cricketers, spectators, and journalists, or the country’s dignity. After reading the letter we received from the ICC today, it felt to us that they have not fully understood the serious security situation that has developed in India for Bangladeshi cricketers.”
The dispute escalated after Mustafizur’s release from the Kolkata Knight Riders, prompting the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to formally request the ICC to shift all group-stage fixtures –
originally scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai – to Sri Lanka. Bangladesh has since sent a second letter detailing specific concerns, while the ICC has expressed willingness to collaborate on security measures but has held firm against altering the schedule, citing India’s proven track record in hosting international events.
In a contrasting voice from within the cricket community, former Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has advocated caution and dialogue to safeguard the sport’s long-term interests.
“Since I am not involved [with the BCB], like any other regular person I am finding things out through the media,” Tamim told The Daily Star. “But I am sure those dealing with these matters have a lot more information. In that regard, I should not suddenly be making comments. What I am saying, however, is that Bangladesh cricket’s interest, future, and everything else must be considered before making such a decision. There is nothing better than if something can be resolved through dialogue.”
Tamim said the issue was sensitive and that, rather than making public comments, the BCB should first decide internally on the best course of action. He also stated that, given that the ICC provides the majority of the BCB’s finances, any decision should be taken with Bangladesh cricket’s best interests in mind.
“What I feel – and I think I would have done the same if I were there – is that since this is a sensitive issue, before making public comments, we would discuss the matter ourselves [within the board],” he said. “Because when you make a public comment, right or wrong, it becomes difficult to step back from that position. Bangladesh cricket’s future comes before everything else, and 90 to 95 percent of the finances come from the ICC, so decisions have to be made based on what will help Bangladesh cricket.”
As negotiations continue, the situation underscores the delicate intersection of sport and diplomacy, with all parties seeking a resolution. The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on February 7.
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