Bangladesh has formally declined to travel to India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, citing security concerns linked to deteriorating political relations between the two countries. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate all of Bangladesh’s matches to venues outside India.
In a statement released Sunday, the BCB said the decision was made after a comprehensive review of the situation, including assessments of safety and security for players, officials, and support staff.
“Following a thorough evaluation of the prevailing conditions and in consultation with the government, the board has decided not to send the national team to India,” the statement said, adding that the ICC had been approached to consider alternative venues.
Matches scheduled in India
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Under the original tournament plan, Bangladesh was set to play three group-stage matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
The request mirrors arrangements already in place for Pakistan, whose team is scheduled to play all its matches in Sri Lanka due to longstanding political tensions with India. Those tensions escalated last year, bringing the two nuclear-armed neighbors close to open conflict.
Impact on players and franchises
The strained relationship is already affecting player participation beyond the World Cup. On Saturday, Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, reportedly following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Mustafizur was the only Bangladeshi cricketer selected in the most recent IPL auction, securing a contract worth approximately $1 million.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding venues, Bangladesh announced its 15-member squad for the tournament on Sunday. Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das will lead the side, with Mustafizur Rahman expected to spearhead the pace attack.
Awaiting ICC decision
The ICC has not yet issued a public response to Bangladesh’s request. Any change to the match schedule would require coordination with host boards, broadcasters, and other participating teams.
With less than a month remaining before the tournament begins, Bangladesh’s stance adds another layer of complexity to an event already shaped by regional politics, highlighting the ongoing challenge of separating international sport from diplomatic realities.