Tensions between the cricket boards of India and Bangladesh have reached new heights ahead of the T20 World Cup. This tournament, set to begin on February 7, is to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The schedules and preparations are nearly complete, yet Bangladesh's theatrical antics show no signs of stopping. The nation insists it will not play its matches in India and demands that its games be shifted to Sri Lanka or Pakistan.
For the past 10 days, Bangladesh has maintained this course of action. But how did it begin, and why has the controversy kept simmering? What drama has Bangladesh enacted so far? In this article, we unravel the complete timeline of the ongoing controversy surrounding the T20 World Cup between Bangladesh and India...
The IPL Auction and Bid for Rahman
The saga began on December 16 with the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi. Kolkata Knight Riders bid 9.20 crore for Bangladesh's fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. The bid was made amid political upheaval in India concerning reports of violence against minority Hindus in Bangladesh.
This tension reached the IPL auction, sparking widespread debate. Social media users began criticizing the BCCI, KKR, and Shah Rukh Khan for offering an opportunity to Rahman in the IPL. Instead of subsiding, the controversy only became more intense.
BCCI Steps in with a Decision
Amid the escalating controversy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed on January 3 to terminate the IPL contract of Bangladesh's fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. Following this decision, Kolkata Knight Riders released Rahman from their team.
Unfolding of Further Disputes
Immediately after Mustafizur's removal from the IPL on January 4, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) convened an urgent high-level meeting. In the meeting, serious concerns regarding the safety of players in India were raised.
Letter to the ICC
On January 5, BCB officially contacted the ICC to request that Bangladesh's matches during the T20 World Cup 2026 be held outside India, citing security threats to Bangladeshi players in India.
Source: aajtak
Ban on IPL Broadcast
BCB proceeded to impose a ban on the upcoming IPL season's broadcast in Bangladesh, marking overt tension in India-Bangladesh cricket relations.
The Blame Game Begins
BCB Vice President Faruque Ahmed cited the India-Pakistan hybrid model, saying it was appropriate for Bangladesh to refuse to play in India, just as India does not play in Pakistan. He acknowledged the significant political factors underlying the dispute, with the Bangladeshi government supporting a boycott of events held in India.
Rahman Secures Pakistan's Backup
On January 6, as Mustafizur Rahman was released from the IPL, he joined the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Bangladesh Government Spreads Misinformation
The situation continued to escalate. During this time, Bangladesh's sports advisor Azif Nazrul claimed the ICC had agreed to their request to change match venues, asserting the ICC had warned of threats to the Bangladeshi team in India. However, within hours, the Bangladesh Cricket Board clarified that they received no such official letter from the ICC, and discussions were ongoing.
Source: aajtak
Bangladesh's Affection for Pakistan Awakens
Amid ongoing tensions, Pakistan attempted to capitalize on the situation, proposing that Bangladesh's World Cup matches be hosted in their country. Bangladesh soon expressed its desire to play in Pakistan.
Bangladesh Government Challenges ICC
The dispute reached such a level that the Bangladesh government questioned the ICC, with sports advisor Nazrul emphasizing that the ICC, as a global body, should resist pressure from India, warning that dismissing Bangladesh's concerns could harm its credibility.
Showdown at the Meeting...
On Wednesday, an online meeting between ICC and Bangladesh Cricket Board officials took place. In this meeting, Bangladesh maintained its stance and declared it would not attend the World Cup in India. However, the ICC reiterated that the schedule was already set and urged Bangladesh to reconsider its stance. No official decision has been made as of now.
It is noteworthy that the T20 World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8. Bangladesh is scheduled to play its four league matches in India, with three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
