the release of Mustafizur Rahman Ahead of IPL 2026, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team has sparked a major administrative dispute between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI),
Mustafizur, who was bought by KKR for ₹9.2 crore in the mini-auction, was officially released on January 2 following the BCCI’s directive. The decision cited “recent developments” amid rising political tensions and reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, raising widespread concerns about players’ safety and diplomatic sensitivities.
BCCI confirms the instructions behind Mustafizur’s exit from IPL
BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia confirmed that the franchise has been instructed to release the Bangladeshi fast bowler, while clarifying that KKR will be allowed to sign a replacement. He also said that, till now, the BCCI has not received any official communication from the Indian government regarding the ban on foreign players.
Despite this clarification, the move has been seen in Bangladesh as a sign that Bangladeshi cricketers may face uncertainty over playing in India – an interpretation that has extended the issue beyond the IPL.
Bangladesh is pushing to organize T20 World Cup matches
In response, the Bangladesh Sports Ministry took action. Advisor Asif Nazrul directed the BCB to formally approach the International Cricket Council with a request to move Bangladesh’s Group A matches. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 From India to Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh will face England, Italy, Nepal and West Indies in the group stage.
Writing in Bengali on Facebook, Nazrul said that if a Bangladeshi player under contract cannot play in India, the national team cannot feel assured about safety while traveling there. He said the matter should be formally documented and placed before the ICC, along with a clear request to host Bangladesh’s matches in Sri Lanka.
BCCI rejects feasibility of venue change
The BCCI has taken a tough stance and termed the proposed venue change as impractical as there is less than a month left for the tournament. A senior BCCI source rejected the demand, highlighting the logistical complexity involved in making changes to the World Cup schedule at such a late stage.
According to the source, match-day logistics – including international travel, hotel bookings, broadcast arrangements and venue coordination – have already been finalized. With India and Sri Lanka having three matches scheduled on most days, shifting the fixtures would disrupt the plans of not only Bangladesh but also many opposition teams and broadcasters.
“You can’t change the game according to someone’s wishes and preferences. It’s a nightmare. Think about the opposition teams. Their air tickets, hotels are booked.” NDTV said this quoting a BCCI source.
“Also there are three games each on all days, which means one game is in Sri Lanka. There is a broadcast crew there. So it may be easier said than done.” He added.
Increasing tension before ICC’s major event
The controversy has cast an unexpected shadow over preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026, raising questions about how geopolitical issues intersect with global sporting events. While the BCCI says Mustafizur’s IPL release does not automatically translate into national-team security concerns, Bangladesh officials disagree.
With the ICC yet to respond publicly, the impasse has put the governing body in a delicate position. Any decision will need to balance logistical realities with diplomatic sensitivities while ensuring player safety and the integrity of the tournament.
As things stand, Bangladesh’s matches will remain scheduled in India and BCCI sources are confident that no changes will be made. However, the Mustafizur Rahman episode has already ensured that the progress of the T20 World Cup 2026 will be closely watched both on and off the field.
Also read: Bangladesh team named for T20 World Cup 2026; no room for jekar ali
