Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), adhering to the directions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), have released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their team. KKR had acquired Rahman for INR 9.20 crores during last month’s Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction. This decision has further strained cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh. In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) plans to request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. BCB has decided to write to the ICC concerning this matter.
BCB has significant concerns regarding the safety of its players in India, particularly in Kolkata. Bangladesh is scheduled to play its first three matches of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in February-March in Kolkata. On Saturday, BCB's Board of Directors conducted an emergency Zoom meeting. Regarding the meeting, Amjad Hussain, Chairman of the Media Committee, told ESPN Cricinfo, 'Three of our matches in the T20 World Cup are scheduled in Kolkata. Following recent events, we will express our concerns to the ICC.'
What did Bangladesh's Sports Advisor say?
Bangladeshi sports advisor Asif Nazrul has openly raised concerns about team safety in India. He mentioned that the BCCI cited recent developments to justify dropping Rahman from IPL, a matter of grave concern. Additionally, Nazrul has urged Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to halt broadcasting of the IPL in the country, indicating the dispute extends beyond cricket.
Asif Nazrul wrote on his Facebook account, 'The Indian Cricket Board, while supporting aggressive communal groups, directed Kolkata Knight Riders to exclude Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman. I strongly condemn and oppose this. As a responsible advisor to the sports ministry, I have asked the BCB to clarify this matter to the ICC. If contracted Bangladeshi players can't play in India, how can the national team feel secure during a major tournament like the World Cup there?'
Nazrul further wrote, 'I have also instructed BCB to request that Bangladesh's World Cup matches be hosted in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, I have requested the Information and Broadcasting Advisor to control the telecast of IPL matches concerning Bangladesh. We will not tolerate any insult to Bangladesh, its cricket, or its players. The era of subservience has ended.'
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is set to have Bangladesh playing matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, with the first match against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on February 7. However, considering the current situation, the venues for these matches are now under significant scrutiny.
