Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The liberation of Mustafizur Rahman of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team ahead of IPL 2026 has snowballed into a major administrative dispute between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Mustafizur, who was bought by KKR for ₹9.2 crore in the mini-auction, was officially released on January 2, following a directive from the BCCI. The decision cited “recent developments” amid growing political tensions and reported violence against minorities in Bangladesh, raising broader concerns about player safety and diplomatic sensitivities.
BCCI confirms directive behind Mustafizur’s IPL exit
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the franchises had been instructed to release the Bangladeshi pacer, while clarifying that KKR would be allowed to sign a replacement. He also said that as of now, the BCCI has not received any official communication from the Indian government regarding the restrictions imposed on foreign players.
Despite this clarification, the move was seen in Bangladesh as a signal that Bangladeshi cricketers may face uncertainties when playing in India – an interpretation that has worsened the problem beyond the IPL.
Bangladesh push for relocation of T20 World Cup matches
In response, the Bangladesh Sports Ministry intervened. Advisor Asif Nazrul asked the BCB to formally approach the International Cricket Council with a request to move Bangladesh’s Group A matches from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 from India to Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh are set to face England, Italy, Nepal and West Indies in the group stage.
Nazrul, writing in Bengali on Facebook, said if a contracted Bangladeshi player cannot play in India, the national team cannot be assured of his safety during his trip. He added that the matter should be formally documented and submitted to the ICC, along with a clear request to host Bangladesh’s matches in Sri Lanka.
BCCI rejects feasibility of venue change
The BCCI responded strongly, calling the proposed venue change impractical with less than a month to go before the tournament. A highly placed BCCI source rejected the request, highlighting the logistical complexity involved in changing the World Cup schedule at such a late stage.
According to the source, match day logistics – including international travel, hotel reservations, broadcast arrangements and venue coordination – have already been finalized. With three matches scheduled almost every day in India and Sri Lanka, moving matches would not only disrupt Bangladesh’s plans, but also those of several opposition teams and broadcasters.
“You can’t change matches based on someone’s whims and fancies. It’s a logistical nightmare. Think about the opposing teams. Their plane tickets and hotels are booked,” ” the BCCI source said, as quoted by NDTV.
“Also, every day there are three matches each, which means one match is in Sri Lanka. There is a broadcast team. So it will be easier said than done,” he added.
Tension growing ahead of ICC flagship event
The controversy has cast an unexpected shadow over preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup, raising questions about how geopolitical issues intersect with global sporting events. While the BCCI maintains that Mustafizur’s release from the IPL does not automatically translate into security concerns for the national team, Bangladesh officials appear unconvinced.
While the ICC has yet to respond publicly, this impasse places the governing body in a difficult position. Any decision will have to balance logistical realities and diplomatic sensitivities, while ensuring player safety and the integrity of the tournament.
As things stand, Bangladesh’s matches remain scheduled in India and BCCI sources remain confident that no changes will be made. However, the Mustafizur Rahman episode has already ensured that the preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup will be closely monitored, both on and off the field.
ALSO READ: Bangladesh team names T20 World Cup 2026; no room for Jaker Ali
