The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has responded to reports that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) intends to request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move its T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka.
The controversy stems from the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), following a directive from the BCCI. KKR had acquired Mustafizur for INR 9.2 crore at the auction in Abu Dhabi on 16 December.
Bangladesh are scheduled to play their World Cup group-stage matches in Kolkata and Mumbai from 7 February to 8 March, alongside England, Italy, Nepal, and the West Indies in Group A. The BCB has reportedly decided to write to the ICC to review security arrangements in India and consider relocating its matches to Sri Lanka, according to ESPNCricinfo.
The BCCI, however, has described such a move as a “logistical nightmare,” saying matches cannot be shifted at someone’s “whim and fancy.” PTI quoted a BCCI source stating that changing venues would affect opposition teams, their travel plans, hotels, and broadcasting arrangements. The source added that with three games scheduled on many days, including some in Sri Lanka, rearranging fixtures would be extremely challenging.
The situation escalated on 3 January after Mustafizur Rahman was released by KKR. Following his release, the BCB held an emergency meeting on Saturday night, and the board was instructed by its sports ministry to request the relocation of its T20 World Cup matches. Political tensions between the two countries, including recent violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, have added to the controversy.
