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Bangladesh are ready to officially address the International Cricket Council (ICC) request the move of their T20 World Cup 2026 matches of India has Sri Lankafollowing the controversial release of Pacer Mustafizur Rahman of the Horsemen Knights of Calcutta team. The development comes amid deepening political sensitivities between India and Bangladesh, sparking concerns within the Bangladesh cricket establishment over player safety and the overall environment of the national team.
BCB to write to ICC amid Mustafizur Rahman controversy
THE Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is expected to submit a detailed representation to the ICC, expressing apprehensions about hosting its first World Cup matches in India. Bangladesh are expected to play their first three matches of the tournament in Kolkata, a venue now at the center of controversy.
Following an emergency meeting of BCB directors held via Zoom on Saturday, media committee chairman Amzad Hussein confirmed the board of directors’ intention to escalate the matter. He said recent events had forced the board to reconsider whether the team would feel safe playing in Kolkata during a global event of such magnitude.
Bangladesh Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul added even more weight to the issue by publicly questioning the safety of Bangladeshi players in India. His remarks came after the Board of Control for Cricket in India cited “recent developments” while ordering the Knight Riders to release Mustafizur ahead of the 2026 IPL.
Nazrul said he had asked the BCB to explain the entire situation to the ICC and seek another neutral forum. He also suggested that if a contracted Bangladeshi player could not participate in leagues based in India, it would be difficult for the national team to feel fully assured of traveling there for a World Cup.
“I have requested the BCB to explain the whole matter to the ICC. The board should inform that when a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India despite his contract, the entire Bangladesh cricket team cannot feel safe to play in the World Cup. I have also requested the board to request that the Bangladesh World Cup matches be played in Sri Lanka.” Nazrul wrote on his official Facebook page.
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Call to move matches to Sri Lanka
In his statement, Nazrul specifically named Sri Lanka as the preferred alternative host for Bangladesh’s matches. He also revealed that he had asked the country’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to stop broadcasting the shows. Indian Premier League in Bangladesh, underscoring the seriousness of the government’s response.
The move highlights how the problem has extended beyond cricket administration to the political and diplomatic sphere, potentially placing the ICC in a difficult position as a tournament organizer.
KKR confirms release of Mustafizur
Following BCCI’s directive, KKR officially confirmed the release of Mustafizur from its IPL 2026 squad. The franchise had acquired the left-arm pacer for a hefty sum in the auction last month, but the signing reportedly attracted criticism from some political and spiritual groups in India in recent days.
ALSO READ: IPL 2026: 3 players KKR can sign to replace Mustafizur Rahman if he misses
