In a move that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Sunday that it will not send its national team to India for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on February 7.
The decision follows a diplomatic and sporting standoff triggered by the BCCI instructing the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who was recently bought for ₹9.20 crore.
The Catalyst: Mustafizur Rahman and the IPL
The friction began when the BCCI ordered KKR to release Rahman amid political pressure and criticism regarding the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh.
- BCB Response: Bangladesh’s youth and sports adviser, Asif Nazrul, slammed the move, labeling the Indian board’s actions as “radical communal policies.”
- Reciprocal Action: The BCB has revoked Rahman’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the IPL and is seeking a formal explanation from the BCCI.
- Broadcasting Ban: Asif Nazrul has also requested the Bangladesh Information Ministry to stop all IPL broadcasts within the country.
Demand for Neutral Venue
The BCB has formally approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their matches—originally scheduled for Kolkata and Mumbai—to Sri Lanka.
“If they have said they cannot provide security to one of our players, how will they ensure the security of our entire team? That is why we will not go there to play,” stated BCB director Khaled Mashud Pilot.
A Crisis for the ICC
The withdrawal adds to a growing logistical nightmare for the ICC and its chairman, Jay Shah. With the India-Pakistan clash already moved out of India under a “hybrid model,” Bangladesh’s refusal to travel further threatens the integrity of the tournament’s original schedule.
Key Concerns:
- Diplomatic Tensions: Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised concerns about the “persecution of minority communities in India,” suggesting the Mustafizur incident is part of a larger political motive.
- Sporting Impact: The loss of a major Full Member team from the Indian leg of the tournament creates a significant commercial and competitive void.