Bangladesh seeks T20 World Cup matches relocated from India to Sri Lanka

Bangladesh Cricket Board Requests ICC to Shift T20 World Cup Matches from India

A Bangladeshi official has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift the country’s T20 World Cup fixtures from India due to concerns over player safety, amid growing political tension between the two nations. The request comes after a top Bangladeshi player was removed from an Indian Premier League (IPL) team.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been asked by its government to write to the ICC, seeking clarity on fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the IPL and requesting a change of venue for the World Cup. The official, Asif Nazrul, stated that the BCB should inform the ICC that Bangladeshi cricketers cannot play in India despite being contracted.

The request has been made following recent developments between India and Bangladesh, including allegations of blasphemy against Hindus in Bangladesh and tensions over diplomatic relations. The two countries have a history of strained relations, with Bangladesh blaming India for some of its troubles, including support for the country’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Bangladesh is scheduled to play all its group-stage matches in India, with three fixtures allocated to Eden Gardens in Kolkata and one to the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. If the ICC considers the BCB’s request, Bangladesh would become the second country to have its games moved out of India.

The Indian cricket board has confirmed that Mustafizur Rahman was released from a franchise’s squad due to recent developments, but no further details have been provided. The BCCI has also stated that it will allow any replacement player if requested by the franchise.

Source: Al Jazeera