The ICC has rejected Bangladesh’s request to move their matches from India for the 2026 T20 World Cup. They found no credible security threat to the team, so the tournament schedule and venues remain unchanged.
Bangladesh were set to play three Group C matches in Kolkata (vs West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14) and one in Mumbai (vs Nepal on February 17).
The BCB requested relocation after an emergency meeting on January 4, citing player safety and well-being, which was triggered by Mustafizur Rahman’s release by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. The ICC has not officially changed its stance, and a formal response is expected by January 10.
The situation has also led to the BCB banning IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh, while Mustafizur will now play in the Pakistan Super League. No venue changes have been confirmed.
Bangladesh bans IPL broadcast over Mustafizur row
Bangladesh has banned the broadcast of IPL 2026 after Kolkata Knight Riders, following BCCI instructions, released Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. The government said no reason was given for his exclusion, and the move caused distress in the country, so the ban was imposed “in the public interest.”
This is the first time Bangladesh has blocked the telecast of an international cricket tournament. Mustafizur has been a regular IPL player since 2016. Their other players like Shakib Al Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Abdur Razzak, Mohammad Ashraful, and Litton Das have also played in past IPL seasons.
Meanwhile, the BCB has written to the ICC seeking to move Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches from India, likely to Sri Lanka, and asked the BCCI for an explanation about Mustafizur’s withdrawal. The T20 World Cup starts on February 7, with Bangladesh’s first match against the West Indies in Kolkata.
Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman joins Pakistan Super League
After being released from the IPL by the Kolkata Knight Riders, Mustafizur Rahman will play in the upcoming Pakistan Super League. His last PSL appearance was eight years ago with the Lahore Qalandars.
His IPL exit came after the BCCI asked KKR to release him, causing financial and political controversy. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has raised concerns about player safety for the T20 World Cup in India and requested that their matches be moved to Sri Lanka. The ICC is reviewing options, including relocation or a BCB visit to India, though withdrawal from the tournament is considered unlikely.
FAQs
Q. Will Bangladesh move their T20 World Cup matches from India?
A. No, the ICC rejected their request. There is no credible security threat, so matches will stay in India.
Q. When will Bangladesh play their T20 World Cup matches?
A. They will play three Group C matches in Kolkata: vs West Indies (Feb 7), vs Italy (Feb 9), vs England (Feb 14), and one in Mumbai vs Nepal (Feb 17).
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