BCB cites player safety concerns, Sri Lanka emerges as potential alternative host

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) with a request to relocate Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing serious concerns over player safety following the Mustafizur Rahman controversy.

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The move comes after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were instructed to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL 2026 due to what the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) described as “recent developments”, amid deteriorating political relations between India and Bangladesh. The decision has raised alarm within the Bangladesh camp, particularly as several of their T20 World Cup matches are scheduled to be played in India next month.

Bangladesh are due to play their first three T20 World Cup matches in Kolkata, prompting the BCB to convene an emergency board meeting over Zoom on Saturday. Following the meeting, BCB media committee chairman Amzad Hussain confirmed that the board would formally write to the ICC.

“We have three matches of the T20 World Cup in Kolkata, so we will write to the ICC regarding what has happened today,” Hussain told ESPNcricinfo.

Bangladesh’s sports adviser Asif Nazrul also expressed doubts over the team’s safety while touring India. In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Nazrul said he had instructed the BCB to fully brief the ICC and request a venue change.

“I have asked the BCB to explain the entire matter to the ICC,” Nazrul wrote. “When a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India despite being under contract, the entire Bangladesh cricket team cannot feel safe travelling there for the World Cup. I have also instructed the board to request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka.”

Nazrul further added that he had requested Bangladesh’s information and broadcasting ministry to stop airing IPL matches in the country following Mustafizur’s release.

KKR later confirmed that Mustafizur Rahman has been officially released from their squad for the IPL 2026 season. The left-arm pacer had been signed for INR 9.2 crore at last month’s IPL auction, but the franchise reportedly faced backlash from Indian spiritual and political leaders in recent days over his inclusion.

Despite the ongoing tensions, the BCB had announced Bangladesh’s 2026 home schedule on Friday, which includes white-ball series against India — fixtures that were postponed from 2025.

Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup campaign is currently scheduled to begin on February 7 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, against West Indies, with additional matches slated for Mumbai. Whether those fixtures remain in India now depends on the ICC’s response to the BCB’s formal request.