New Delhi – India’s cricket board, the BCCI, has stated it will not intervene in the dispute over Bangladesh’s request to move its T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India clarified on Friday that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the International Cricket Council (ICC). This stance follows Bangladesh’s strong reaction to the BCCI’s directive for an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise to release a key Bangladeshi player.
Mustafizur Rahman Release Triggers Diplomatic Spat
The controversy began when the Board of Control for Cricket in India instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL 2026 contract. KKR had acquired Rahman for INR 9.20 crore, approximately $1 million, at the auction last month. The BCCI cited "recent developments" for its directive to KKR. These developments reportedly refer to escalating political tensions and "rising attacks on Hindus" in Bangladesh, which have strained relations between the two neighboring nations.[hindustantimes+6]
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the board's position after a review meeting, which primarily focused on the functioning of its Centre of Excellence (CoE) and other cricketing matters. Saikia clarified that the issue of Bangladesh's T20 World Cup participation and venue is not within the BCCI's purview.[thesportstak+4]
Bangladesh Demands Venue Shift Citing Security, Dignity
Bangladesh reacted strongly to Rahman's release, viewing it as an insult and a serious security concern for its national team. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Bangladesh government have formally requested the International Cricket Council to relocate all of Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka. Bangladesh's Youth and Sports Adviser, Asif Nazrul, publicly expressed his nation's firm stance. "We will not accept any insult to Bangladeshi cricket, cricketers and Bangladesh under any circumstances," Nazrul stated. He added, "The days of slavery are over," emphasizing a strong sentiment of national pride.[timesofindia+7]
The BCB president, Aminul Islam Bulbul, stated that the board "does not feel secure" playing under the current circumstances in India. He clarified that Bangladesh is not engaging in direct discussions with the BCCI on this matter, as it is an ICC event, and they are awaiting a response from the global cricketing body. Bulbul alsodismissed rumors circulating on social media that the BCCI had offered Rahman a return to the IPL. In a further escalation, Bangladesh has reportedly banned the telecast of IPL matches in the country until further notice.[newindianexpress+6]
ICC Holds Final Decision on World Cup Venues
The BCCI maintains that the International Cricket Council holds the ultimate authority over the scheduling and venue decisions for the T20 World Cup. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia reiterated this position, stating, "It's not our domain to talk about that (as the ICC has the final say on Bangladesh's participation in T20 World Cup)." This statement underscores the BCCI's view that international tournament logistics are the responsibility of the global governing body. The T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, running from February 7 to March 8. Bangladesh is slated to play several group-stage matches in India, including fixtures in Kolkata and Mumbai.[timesofindia+4]
The ICC has yet to issue a definitive statement regarding Bangladesh's request for a venue change. The ongoing dialogue between the BCB and the ICC highlights the complexities of international cricket administration, especially when political tensions intersect with sporting events. The cricketing world now awaits the ICC's decision, which will significantly impact Bangladesh's participation and the tournament's overall schedule.[hindustantimes+1]
