Bangladesh's cricket team cited security concerns, refusing to play their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift their matches to Sri Lanka, awaiting a response. This decision came after Mustafizur Rahman was released from the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The BCB seems to be expressing its frustration. Now, Pakistan has entered the scenario, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressing readiness to host Bangladesh's matches if Sri Lanka is unavailable. This was reported by Geo Super.
Read More: Bangladesh Board Frustrated by ICC's Silence! Awaits Response Ahead of T20 World Cup
Sources reveal that Pakistan's venues are fully prepared to host the T20 World Cup matches. The PCB has successfully organized major events like the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025, indicating their capability to host these matches smoothly.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had declared on January 4th that they would not participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 in India. This decision followed the release of star bowler Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) under the directive of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), escalating security and political tensions.
Asif Nazrul's Threat
Bangladeshi sports advisor Asif Nazrul issued a strong statement, claiming, 'Bangladesh will not play the World Cup in India. Indian cricket policies are communal, and we can't support this.' Following this, the BCB formally requested the ICC to have Bangladesh's World Cup matches moved to Sri Lanka. Nazrul noted if a Bangladeshi player can't play in the IPL despite being contracted, how can the entire team feel secure in India?
The ICC has yet to decide whether Bangladesh's matches will be moved or remain in India. Bangladesh is placed in Group C for the T20 World Cup 2026, with their first match against the West Indies scheduled for February 7 in Kolkata's Eden Gardens. They are set to face Italy and England in the same venue on February 9 and 14, respectively, before their final group match against Nepal on February 17 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
Bangladesh Squad for T20 World Cup:
Liton Kumar Das (captain), Saif Hassan (vice-captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, and Shoriful Islam.
