The Bangladesh Cricket Board has reportedly decided that the national team will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing security concerns. According to local reports, the decision was taken after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Bangladeshi star player Mustafizur Rahman ahead of IPL 2026.
Cricket relations between India and Bangladesh have become very bad at the moment. BCCI has reportedly decided not to tour Bangladesh for the bilateral series. Mustafizur was released from the IPL, and these developments have increased tensions between the two cricket boards, taking relations to a low point.
There was a strong reaction in Bangladesh on Mustafizur Rahman’s exit from IPL.
Kolkata Knight Riders spent big by buying Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. However, the franchise faced heavy criticism due to the political unrest in Bangladesh. As a result, KKR released the fast bowler just a few months before the new season.
This decision was not liked in Bangladesh. The country’s sports advisor reacted strongly and directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to ban IPL in Bangladesh.
At the same time, Bangladesh Cricket Board decided to take this matter forward. The board has written to the International Cricket Council asking to shift Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.
Bangladesh decides to travel to India for T20 World Cup due to security concerns
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided that the national team will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The decision was taken after a meeting in which security concerns were cited as the main reason.
According to local reports, the situation worsened after an Indian domestic franchise was asked to remove Mustafizur Rahman, leading to increased tension and anti-Bangladesh sentiment.
– Due to security concerns we do not want to tour India for the T20 World Cup! Bangladesh Cricket Board sent an email to ICC
– Asif Khan (@mak_asif) 4 January 2026
BREAKING & OFFICIAL: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) after its meeting decided that the team will not travel to India for the T20 World Cup due to security concerns.#bcb #India #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/TX8NmwBX67
– Saif Ahmed (@saifahmed75) 4 January 2026
Subsequently, the BCB formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) about its decision. The board made it clear that the safety of the players is the top priority and it does not feel comfortable sending the team to India in the current circumstances.
However, changing the venue so close to the tournament could be difficult for the ICC. With only a month left, logistics like team travel, accommodation, broadcast plans and match-day operations have already been finalised. Notably, Pakistan has to play all its matches in Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh announces squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Bangladesh have been placed in Group C along with West Indies, England, Italy and Nepal in the 2026 T20 World Cup. They will start their campaign against West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
After this, Bangladesh will face Italy and England on 9 and 14 February at the same venue. Their final group match will be against Nepal on February 17 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board announced the 15-man squad for the tournament on 4 January. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed returned to the team, while wicketkeeper Jacker Ali was dropped.
Jekar led Bangladesh in the 2025 T20 Asia Cup when Liton Kumar Das was injured. Mohammad Saif Hasan has been made the vice-captain in this team. Mahidul Islam Ankon and Nazmul Hossain Shanto are also missing from the team.
Also read: Bangladesh T20 World Cup squad announced amid Mustafizur Rahman controversy; Hindu cricketer became captain