Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that the national team will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup “under current conditions,” requesting that all scheduled matches be relocated to a safer venue. The move comes amid escalating political tensions between Bangladesh and India and concerns over player safety.
Safety Concerns Prompt Withdrawal
The BCB cited the safety and well-being of players, officials, and other stakeholders as the primary reason for the request. In a statement, the board said:
“The board believes that such a step is necessary to safeguard the safety and well-being of Bangladeshi players, team officials, board members, and other stakeholders and to ensure that the team can participate in the tournament in a secure and appropriate environment.”
This development threatens to disrupt the tournament, which is set to begin on 7 February 2026, and has already faced challenges due to regional political tensions, including the relocation of all Pakistan’s matches to Sri Lanka.
Impact on the T20 World Cup Schedule
Bangladesh were scheduled to play all four of their group-stage matches in India, including:
- 7 February: Opening match vs West Indies
- 14 February: Match vs England in Kolkata
The BCB’s decision adds uncertainty to the Group C fixtures, which also include Nepal and Italy.
Context of Bangladesh-India Tensions
Political tensions between Bangladesh and India have escalated over the past year. Factors contributing to the current situation include:
- The murder of a Hindu man in Bangladesh during violent protests, which sparked anti-India sentiment.
- Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fleeing to India in 2024 and India’s refusal to extradite her.
- Violent protests in Bangladesh over the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi.
These events have strained bilateral relations, raising concerns about the safety of Bangladeshi players and staff traveling to India for international competitions.
IPL Withdrawal Adds Pressure
Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was recently released from his Indian Premier League (IPL) contract with Kolkata Knight Riders, reportedly at the request of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). No official reason was given, but BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia cited “recent developments” in the region as a factor.
Bangladesh Squad for T20 World Cup
The BCB also confirmed its 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup:
- Captain: Litton Das
- Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain
- Wicketkeeper: Nurul Hasan
- Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Shoriful Islam
ICC Yet to Respond
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not yet commented on the BCB’s request to relocate Bangladesh’s matches. Fans and analysts are closely watching the situation, as any changes could significantly affect the T20 World Cup 2026 schedule and competitive dynamics in Group C.
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