Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has responded to the reports of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) seeking a shift of their 2026 T20 World Cup venue from India to Sri Lanka or a neutral nation.
The BCB has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the same and the world body is reportedly trying to rework the schedule, with just over a month to go to the marquee event. The Bangladesh board’s decision is in response to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s directive to IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), asking them to release Bangladeshi international pacer Mustafizur Rahman.
“Due to the various events that have taken place in the past few days, Bangladesh does not want to come to India. Whatever happened in Bangladesh is wrong. ICC needs to make a decision on their request. We welcome everyone to India, but whether they (Bangladesh) want to come here or not is their choice.”
What began as a routine IPL auction purchase has escalated into a diplomatic flashpoint with consequences far beyond the tournament. KKR’s ₹9.2 crore signing of Rahman ahead of IPL 2026 has triggered a chain of events without precedent in league history.
Weeks after the auction, public figures and fringe groups in India launched a campaign against KKR and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, calling for Rahman’s removal amid broader anger over reports of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh following last year’s regime change. Online outrage intensified, with demands ranging from Rahman’s release to a complete exclusion of Bangladeshi players from the IPL.
After initially maintaining silence, the BCCI stepped in on January 3. Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that KKR had been directed to part ways with Rahman, vaguely attributing the decision to ‘recent developments,’ while assuring the franchise a replacement signing. KKR said it had no option but to comply.
Never before had a contracted IPL player been released months before the season for reasons unrelated to fitness or discipline. The BCB arranged an emergency meeting on the day and the Bangladesh government has also ordered a ban on IPL broadcast in the country until further notice.
