DHAKA, Bangladesh: Bangladesh cricket team will not travel to India to play its scheduled matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, after the country’s cricket board decided that the safety and dignity of its players could not be guaranteed, officials said on Sunday.
The decision follows the release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman by his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, after what India’s cricket board described as “recent developments” between the two countries.
Bangladesh are due to play three World Cup matches in Kolkata during the February 7 to March 8 tournament, which is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
‘Days of slavery are over’
Bangladesh’s sports adviser Asif Nazrul said the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had taken the decision after an emergency meeting.
“Bangladesh will not go to India to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has taken this decision today,” Nazrul said in a statement.
He described the move as a response to what he called the “extreme communal policy” of India’s cricket board.
“We will not accept any insult to Bangladeshi cricket, cricketers and Bangladesh under any circumstances,” Nazrul said earlier.
“The days of slavery are over,” he added.
Nazrul said he had instructed the BCB to formally write to the International Cricket Council (ICC), arguing that the release of a contracted Bangladeshi player raised serious concerns.
“Where a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India despite being contracted, the entire Bangladeshi cricket team cannot feel safe going to play in the World Cup,” he said.
He also said Bangladesh would request that its World Cup matches be shifted to Sri Lanka.
IPL broadcast ban sought
Nazrul said he would also seek to block IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh.
“I have requested the information and broadcasting adviser to stop the broadcasting of the IPL tournament in Bangladesh,” he said.
Kolkata Knight Riders, which is majority-owned by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, said Mustafizur’s release had followed “due process and consultations”.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said the franchise had been “advised to release” the 30-year-old pacer, citing “recent developments”.
Mustafizur was signed by Kolkata at an auction in December for more than $1 million. He has previously played in the IPL for other teams.
Bangladesh seeks explanation
BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul said the board would act in the best interests of players.
“The dignity and security of our cricketers are our top priorities, and we will take a decision at the appropriate time keeping these in mind,” he told reporters late on Saturday.
Cricket news website Cricbuzz reported on Sunday that the BCB would seek a formal explanation from the BCCI over Mustafizur’s release.
The ICC and the BCB did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The cricket dispute comes amid strained political relations between India and Bangladesh following a mass uprising in Dhaka in 2024 that toppled then prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi.
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has accused India of exaggerating the scale of the violence.
Last year, the ICC allowed India to play Champions Trophy matches in the United Arab Emirates due to strained ties with host Pakistan. Under a similar arrangement, Pakistan will play all of its T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh name World Cup squad
Meanwhile, the BCB on January 4 announced its 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Batsman Litton Kumar Das will captain the side, with Mohammed Saif Hassan named as vice-captain.
The squad includes Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Md Shaifuddin among the fast bowlers, and Shak Mahedi Hasan and Nasum Ahmed among the spinners.
Bangladesh squad: Litton Kumar Das (captain), Mohammed Saif Hassan (vice-captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Md Shaifuddin, Shoriful Islam.
