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Political tensions between the nations have led Bangladesh to refuse to travel to India for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7, “under current conditions”.
Here’s what we know so far…
Why has Bangladesh adopted this position?
The Bangladesh Cricket Board cited concerns over “safety and well-being” for choosing not to travel to India.
Relations between the two countries were further strained with the death of a Hindu man killed by a mob during violent protests in Bangladesh in December after being accused of blasphemy, leading to protests by Hindu nationalist groups in India.
The BCB’s stance on the T20 World Cup came soon after Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the request of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has been dropped from Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL squad at the request of the BCCI
The BCCI did not explicitly mention the strained political relations, but said the decision was based on “recent developments”, with Mustafizur – named on T20 World Cup night in Bangladesh – now set to miss the IPL from March 26 to May 31.
Mustafizur has previously played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in the IPL, taking 60 wickets in 65 matches.
What did the BCB say in its press release?
The statement read: “After a thorough assessment of the current situation and growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladeshi contingent in India and taking into account the advice of the Government of Bangladesh, the Board of Directors has decided that the Bangladesh national team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions.
“In light of this decision, the BCB has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC), as the authority of the event, to consider moving all Bangladesh matches to a venue outside India.”
Aerial sports has contacted the ICC for comment.
What could this mean for the T20 World Cup?
Bangladesh were scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai during the group stage, so this update has the potential to shake up the tournament schedule.
The World Cup is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan playing all of its matches in the latter country due to long-standing political tensions with India.
It remains to be seen whether Bangladesh’s matches will be played in Sri Lanka or elsewhere.
What impact could this have on England?
England are scheduled to face Bangladesh in Kolkata on Saturday, February 14.
England are due to face Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens in Calcutta on Saturday February 14 in Group C, a pool which also includes the West Indies, Italy and Nepal.
Harry Brook’s side were due to play all their first round matches in India, starting against Nepal in Mumbai on Sunday 8 February before facing West Indies at the same venue on Wednesday 11 February.
A clash with Italy in Calcutta on Monday February 16 follows the Bangladesh meeting in the same city. If the Bangladesh match is now moved, it would add to England’s travel.
