DUBAI / DHAKA – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially initiated the process of redrawing the schedule for the T20 World Cup 2026 after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally refused to travel to India. Citing “growing concerns regarding safety and security,” the BCB has requested that its matches be shifted to co-host Sri Lanka.
The diplomatic crisis was triggered by the BCCI’s directive to the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi star Mustafizur Rahman just weeks after he was signed for ₹9.20 crore. This move, rooted in rising regional tensions over violence against minorities in Bangladesh, has turned a sporting event into a full-scale geopolitical “tug-of-war.”
“The Days of Slavery are Over”: Bangladesh’s Stiff Stance
The decision to boycott Indian venues was heavily influenced by the interim government in Dhaka. Asif Nazrul, the advisor for Youth and Sports, issued a fiery statement on Facebook:
“We won’t stand for any insult to Bangladesh’s cricket, cricketers and the country. The days of slavery are over… if a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India despite being contracted, the entire team cannot feel safe going to play in the World Cup.”
Key Retaliatory Measures by Bangladesh:
- Tournament Boycott in India: Refusal to play any fixtures on Indian soil.
- IPL Broadcast Ban: Nazrul has instructed the government to stop the telecast of the IPL in Bangladesh.
- Venue Shift Demand: A formal request to the ICC to move Group C matches from Kolkata and Mumbai to Colombo and Kandy.
Logistical Nightmare: The Impact on Group C
With the tournament set to begin on February 7, 2026, the ICC faces a race against time. Bangladesh’s original schedule featured high-profile games at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
| Original Date | Opponent | Original Venue | Proposed New Venue |
| Feb 7 | West Indies | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Sri Lanka (TBD) |
| Feb 9 | Italy | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Sri Lanka (TBD) |
| Feb 14 | England | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Sri Lanka (TBD) |
| Feb 17 | Nepal | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | Sri Lanka (TBD) |
Bangladesh Squad Announced: Litton Das to Lead
Amid the chaos, the BCB has announced its 15-member squad for the marquee event. Litton Das has been named captain, leading a side that includes Mustafizur Rahman—the man at the center of the controversy.
- Captain: Litton Das
- Vice-Captain: Saif Hassan
- Pace Attack: Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, and Mohammad Saifuddin.
The Financial Fallout for the BCCI
While the ICC controls central revenues, the BCCI stands to lose significant “match-day economics” at two of its premier venues. Estimates suggest a potential loss of ₹7–30 crore in ticket sales, hospitality, and local sponsorship for the four impacted games.