Tensions between Bangladesh and India cricket have escalated dramatically, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) now formally requesting a relocation of its T20 World Cup 2026 league matches from India to Sri Lanka.
The move stems from heightened safety concerns after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by IPL giants Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on BCCI orders.
Mustafizur had been a marquee buy at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi. KKR shelled out a whopping Rs. 9.20 crore in a fierce bidding war for the player.
BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul stayed mum post an urgent board huddle, but government advisor Asif Nazrul didn't hold back. In a fiery Bengali Facebook post, he revealed directives to the BCB: "As the adviser in charge of
the Ministry of Sports, I have instructed the Cricket Control Board to put the entire matter in writing and explain it to the ICC. "
He demanded clarity on player security, saying, "The board must make it clear that if a Bangladeshi cricketer, despite being under contract, cannot play in India, then the Bangladesh national team cannot feel safe travelling to India to play the World Cup. I have also directed the board to formally request that Bangladesh's World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka instead. "
Bangladesh faces a tough group-stage slate in the ICC's flagship event - West Indies on February 7, debutants Italy on February 9, and England on February 14, all at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, while the final match against Nepal on February 17 in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
BCCI gives strong reply
A senior BCCI insider dismissed the feasibility outright as he stated the demand as a 'nightmare'.
"You can't just change games at someone's whims and fancies. It is a logistical nightmare. Think about opposition teams. Their air tickets, hotels are booked. Also on all days there are three games each which means one game is in Sri Lanka. There is a broadcast crew. So it will be easier said than done. "
No IPL 2026 in Bangladesh?
Nazrul ramped up the rhetoric, urging a broadcast blackout of the IPL in Bangladesh, saying, "I have requested the adviser for Information and Broadcasting to ensure that the broadcast of the IPL in Bangladesh is also suspended. Under no circumstances will we tolerate any insult to Bangladeshi cricket, cricketers, or Bangladesh itself. The days of servitude are over. "
As the ICC weighs this politically charged request with just weeks until the opener, the saga underscores how off-field geopolitics continues to disrupt the global game-potentially reshaping Bangladesh's World Cup campaign.
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