Dhaka, Sunday, January 4, 2026 – Bangladesh has formally instructed its cricket board to seek a Bangladesh T20 World Cup shift from India to Sri Lanka. The move follows safety concerns for players, triggered by the abrupt release of Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, at the BCCI’s advice. Officials cite escalating tension between India and Bangladesh in cricket as the core issue.
The directive was issued by youth and sports adviser Asif Nazrul on Saturday. He ordered the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to write to the International Cricket Council (ICC). Bangladesh is set to play four group-stage matches in India during the tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Venue Change Sri Lanka: Official Request Details
The BCB held an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss the shift of the Bangladesh T20 World Cup. Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul stated: “The dignity and security of our cricketers are our top priorities, and we will decide at the appropriate time, keeping these in mind.”
The request focuses on relocating matches from Kolkata’s Eden Gardens and Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium to Sri Lankan venues. This mirrors an existing ICC arrangement where Pakistan’s matches are all in Sri Lanka to avoid border travel with India.
Adviser Nazrul emphasised: “As the adviser in charge of the Sports Ministry, I have asked the BCB to explain the entire matter to ICC. The board should inform that if a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India despite being contracted, the entire Bangladeshi cricket team cannot feel safe participating in the World Cup. I have also instructed the board to request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka. We will not tolerate any insult to Bangladeshi cricket, cricketers, or Bangladesh under any circumstances. The days of slavery are over.”
The venue change proposal for Sri Lanka aims to ensure player safety amid recent events. Bangladesh announced its 15-member squad for the tournament on Sunday, led by Litton Kumer Das, but the venue issue overshadows preparations.
Mustafizur Rahman IPL Release: The Trigger Point
The Bangladesh T20 World Cup shift request stems directly from the release of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL. Kolkata Knight Riders signed the fast bowler for INR 9.2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction. However, the BCCI instructed the franchise to release him due to “recent developments.”
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed: “Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad, and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement.”
Kolkata Knight Riders issued a statement: “Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL, as the regulator of IPL, has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of IPL 2026. The release has been carried out accordingly.”
Mustafizur Rahman responded briefly: “What else can you do if you are dropped?” The release has sparked outrage in Bangladesh, leading to calls to halt IPL broadcasts in the country.
This incident highlights the spillover of political issues into the sports world. Mustafizur had performed well in domestic leagues, claiming 400 T20 wickets recently, but the IPL exclusion has intensified demands for the venue change to Sri Lanka.
India-Bangladesh Cricket Tension: Broader Context
The tension between India and Bangladesh over cricket has worsened over the past year. Bilateral tours were postponed: the Bangladesh women’s team’s tour of India and India’s men’s team’s visit to Bangladesh, both scheduled for August 2025.
The core of the India-Bangladesh cricket tension lies in diplomatic strains. Tensions escalated after a Hindu man was lynched in Bangladesh over blasphemy allegations. India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the act as “unremitting hostility against minorities.”
Hindutva activists attempted to storm the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. Bangladesh blames India for supporting former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to New Delhi after an uprising in August 2025.
These events have affected cricket relations. The Mustafizur Rahman IPL release is seen as a direct outcome, prompting the Bangladesh T20 World Cup shift request. Officials argue that if one player is deemed unsafe, the entire team faces risks.
Cricket experts note that such shifts are rare but precedented. The ICC has accommodated similar requests, like Pakistan’s venues, to maintain tournament integrity.
Background
Political unrest between India and Bangladesh dates back to August 2025, when the Sheikh Hasina government fell amid widespread protests. Her exile in India strained ties. Bangladesh accused India of interference, while India raised concerns over minority safety.
In cricket, this led to suspended exchanges. The women’s tour postponement marked the first sports casualty. The men’s tour followed suit. The IPL incident with Mustafizur Rahman amplified calls for action, culminating in Sri Lanka’s demand for a venue change.
The T20 World Cup, with 20 teams, is a significant event. Bangladesh’s group includes strong opponents, and venue stability is key. The co-hosting setup allows for flexibility, but changes require approval from ICC.
What’s Next
The ICC has not responded yet. If approved, the Bangladesh T20 World Cup shift could set a precedent for handling political influences in sports.
Bangladesh prepares for the tournament regardless. The squad includes key players like Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Shakib Al Hasan, as well as stand-in options. Training camps start soon.
The episode underscores how India-Bangladesh cricket tension could reshape regional sports. Stakeholders are watching for the ICC’s decision, which may come before the February 7 start.
As the situation evolves, the Bangladesh T20 World Cup shift remains a focal point for South Asian cricket diplomacy.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 4th, 2026
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