Bangladesh will not play their matches in India during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board said the decision was taken because of security concerns. They have asked for their matches to be played outside India.
The BCB sent an email to the ICC saying it is not possible to send the team to India due to safety issues. After a meeting of 17 board directors, everyone agreed that the team should not play any World Cup matches in India. Only this issue was officially raised with the ICC.
The situation became more serious after Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders. He was bought for ₹9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction, but his contract was ended on January 3 because of political unrest in Bangladesh. The unrest has been going on for six months and includes reports of violence.
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BCB ask ICC to shift Bangladesh matches to Sri Lanka
Following instructions from the sports ministry, the BCB asked the ICC to move their matches to Sri Lanka. Sports advisor Asif Nazrul said that if a Bangladeshi player cannot safely play in India, then the national team’s safety also cannot be guaranteed.
The ICC has not yet replied to the request. The BCCI said shifting matches is not possible. Asif Nazrul confirmed on social media that they will not travel to India for the World Cup.
Bangladesh were scheduled to play West Indies, Italy, and England at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and Nepal at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Even though the BCB announced white-ball matches against India in their home schedule, those games are now unlikely. Bangladesh has announced their T20 World Cup squad, with Litton Das as captain.
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