bangladesh ready to formally contact International Cricket Council (ICC) to request their transfer t20 world cup 2026 matches with India To Sri LankaAfter the controversial release of the fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman From Kolkata Knight Riders Squad. The development comes against the backdrop of worsening political sensitivities between India and Bangladesh, raising concerns within the Bangladesh cricket establishment over player safety and the overall environment for the national team.
BCB will write a letter to ICC amid Mustafizur Rahman controversy
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) The ICC is expected to field a wide representation, despite apprehensions about hosting its inaugural World Cup fixtures in India. Bangladesh are scheduled to play their first three matches of the tournament in Kolkata, which is now at the center of controversy.
Following an emergency meeting of BCB directors held via Zoom on Saturday, the chairman of the media committee Amjad Hussain Confirmed the Board’s intention to pursue the case. He said recent events have forced the board to reconsider whether the team will feel safe playing in Kolkata during such a big global event.
Sports Advisor of Bangladesh Asif Nazrul The issue escalated further by publicly questioning the safety of Bangladeshi players in India. His comments come after the Board of Control for Cricket in India directed the Knight Riders to release Mustafizur before IPL 2026, citing “recent developments”.
Nazrul said he has instructed the BCB to explain the entire situation to the ICC and look for a neutral alternative venue. He also suggested that if any contracted Bangladeshi players cannot participate in an India-based league, it would be difficult for the national team to feel completely confident about traveling there for the World Cup.
“I have asked the BCB to explain the entire matter to the ICC. The Board should be informed that while a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India despite the contract, the entire Bangladeshi cricket team cannot feel safe playing in the World Cup. I have also directed the Board to request Bangladesh to host its World Cup matches in Sri Lanka.” Nazrul wrote on his official Facebook page.
Also read: BCCI asks Shahrukh Khan’s KKR to part ways with Mustafizur Rahman ahead of IPL 2026
Call to shift matches to Sri Lanka
In his statement, Nazrul specifically named Sri Lanka as the preferred alternate host for Bangladesh’s matches. He also revealed that he had requested the country’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to stop the broadcast Indian Premier League In Bangladesh, the seriousness of the government’s response was highlighted.
The move underlines how the issue has spread beyond cricket administration into the political and diplomatic arena, potentially placing the ICC in a challenging position as tournament organisers.
KKR confirms Mustafizur’s release
Following BCCI’s directive, KKR officially confirmed Mustafizur’s release from their IPL 2026 squad. The franchise had bought the left-arm pacer for a significant amount in the auction last month, but the signing was reportedly criticized by some political and spiritual groups in India in recent days.
Also read: IPL 2026: KKR may sign 3 players to replace Mustafizur Rahman if he misses out
