In a series of events that have sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) to request a change of venue for their matches in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The move follows a directive from the BCCI on Saturday, January 3, 2026, instructing the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi star pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his ₹9.20 crore contract.
Safety Concerns and Geopolitical Tensions
The BCB’s decision to seek a venue change stems from growing concerns over the safety of their players in India. The BCCI’s instruction to KKR cited “recent developments” and “unrest,” referring to reported communal violence in Bangladesh.
“We will be putting the ball in ICC’s court. Tension between the two countries is mounting with each passing day. It is an ICC event, and they will make the final call after taking everything into consideration,” a senior BCB official stated.
The Proposed Relocation
Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play a significant portion of its group-stage matches in India. The BCB is reportedly looking to move these fixtures to the co-host nation, Sri Lanka, or a neutral venue.
Bangladesh’s Original India Schedule: | Date | Opponent | Venue | | :— | :— | :— | | Feb 7, 2026 | West Indies | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | | Feb 9, 2026 | Italy | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | | Feb 14, 2026 | England | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | | Feb 17, 2026 | Nepal | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
The Mustafizur Rahman Fallout
The flashpoint for this crisis was the forced release of Mustafizur Rahman by KKR.
- The Auction: KKR won a bidding war against CSK and Delhi Capitals to sign “The Fizz” for ₹9.20 crore (approx. $1.1M).
- The Diktat: BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board instructed KKR to release the player due to “national sentiments” and security unrest.
- The Replacement: KKR has been granted permission to sign a replacement player, but the diplomatic damage has already been done.
Precedent: The Pakistan Factor
The BCB official noted that Pakistan has already secured a similar arrangement. Following India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, Pakistan has decided to play all their T20 World Cup 2026 matches in Sri Lanka (Colombo and Kandy) to avoid traveling to India. Bangladesh is now seeking similar “neutral ground” treatment.