Mustafizur Rahman Controversy Deepens as Bangladesh Eyes Venue Shift for T20 World Cup Games: Report

The decision to remove Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders' squad ahead of IPL 2026 has triggered fresh uncertainty around Bangladesh's participation in matches scheduled to be played in India during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Following the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) directive to KKR to release Mustafizur from his contract, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is now considering approaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) to request a change of venues for its World Cup fixtures. India is set to co-host the tournament with Sri Lanka in early 2026.

Bangladesh are currently slated to play three group-stage matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata - against West Indies (February 7), Italy (February 9),

and England (February 14) - before facing Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 17. However, growing political tension between the two countries has raised concerns within the BCB regarding the safety and comfort of its players.

A senior BCB official indicated that while the Mustafizur decision remains an internal IPL matter, the World Cup is under ICC jurisdiction and the global body would take the final call after evaluating the situation as per a report by Telecom Asia Sport. The official added that Bangladesh intends to place its concerns before the ICC at the earliest opportunity.

The situation has drawn comparisons with Pakistan's stance in recent years, including its refusal to play matches in India following India's decision not to tour Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Bangladesh now appears to be weighing a similar route, should tensions continue to escalate.

Clarifying the controversy, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed earlier that KKR were asked to release Mustafizur due to the prevailing unrest in Bangladesh, while also allowing the franchise to sign a replacement under IPL rules. KKR later acknowledged the decision, stating that it followed due process as instructed by the board.

Mustafizur, who was bought for a record Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL mini-auction, has represented five franchises across eight seasons. He made his IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, playing a key role in their title-winning campaign and earning the Emerging Player award that season.