The ICC has refused Bangladesh’s request to move its 2026 T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) made the demand after Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL. This came after Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL team. Bangladesh also banned IPL broadcasts in the country.
The ICC, led by Jay Shah, rejected the request. They said there was no security problem and warned Bangladesh that if they don’t play in India, they could lose points.
Bangladesh is in Group C and will play three matches in Kolkata (West Indies on Feb 7, Italy on Feb 9, England on Feb 14) and one in Mumbai (Nepal on Feb 17).
The issue started when BCCI asked KKR to release Mustafizur, citing political tensions. BCB held an emergency meeting and said they were worried about their team’s safety and didn’t want to travel to India under these conditions.
Why did Bangladesh refuse to play in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India
Bangladesh will not travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This decision came after Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh’s fast bowler, was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following instructions from the BCCI.
The BCCI said it released Mustafizur after requests from politicians and religious leaders in India. KKR confirmed the release and said a replacement player would be allowed. Mustafizur had been bought by KKR for Rs 9.2 crore and is the only Bangladeshi in this IPL season.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) immediately revoked Mustafizur’s No Objection Certificate, barring him from going to India. After an emergency meeting, the BCB cited security concerns and formally requested the ICC to move all Bangladesh matches to another country, suggesting Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul supported the move, calling it a response to “extremist communal policies” in India.
Bangladesh was scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai starting February 7. The ICC and BCCI have yet to respond to the request.
Mustafizur Rahman Likely to Lose Rs 9.2 Crore After KKR Release
Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman may not get any payment after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He was bought for Rs 9.2 crore at the IPL auction, outbidding Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.
The release came on BCCI instructions, citing only “developments all around,” with no cricketing or disciplinary reason. Standard IPL insurance and contracts usually cover injuries, but Mustafizur’s situation does not qualify.
KKR is not contractually required to pay him. Legal action is possible but complicated due to the geopolitical situation. As a result, Mustafizur could leave the IPL without receiving his full contract amount.
Mustafizur Rahman to Play in Pakistan Super League
Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, released from Kolkata Knight Riders on the BCCI’s directive, will now play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The PCB announced this before the PSL player auction.
His release came amid political tension between India and Bangladesh over alleged minority issues. Following this, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) asked the ICC to move their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, but the ICC rejected the request, warning of possible point forfeiture if Bangladesh refuses to travel.
Bangladesh is scheduled to play the West Indies (Feb 7), Italy (Feb 9), and England (Feb 14) in Kolkata, then Nepal (Feb 17) in Mumbai. The BCCI has said the team will now travel to India under the current conditions. Mustafizur now has the PSL as his new platform to play T20 cricket.
FAQs
Q. Did Bangladesh get approval to move their T20 World Cup matches from India?
A. No, the ICC rejected their request to move the matches to Sri Lanka.
Q. Why was Mustafizur Rahman released by KKR?
A. The BCCI asked KKR to release him due to political tensions and requests from politicians and religious leaders in India.
Q. Will Mustafizur get paid after being released?
A. Mustafizur Rahman may not receive his full Rs 9.2 crore IPL contract, as KKR is not required to pay him under these circumstances.
Q. Where will Mustafizur Rahman play now?
A. Mustafizur Rahman will play in the Pakistan Super League after being released from the IPL.
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