BCCI reacts after Bangladesh plans on getting its T20 World Cup matches relocated from India

In a major development that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to formally approach the ICC to request the relocation of its T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka.

The move is a direct fallout of the BCCI’s directive to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his ₹9.2 crore contract just weeks before the IPL 2026 season.

The Trigger: Mustafizur Rahman’s Forced Exit

On Saturday, January 3, 2026, the BCCI instructed KKR to part ways with Mustafizur Rahman, citing “recent developments” and rising geopolitical tensions following reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

• BCCI’s Stance: Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision was a preventive measure taken due to the volatile social and political climate.
• Mustafizur’s Reaction: The 30-year-old pacer expressed his disappointment, simply stating, “What else can you do if you are dropped?”

BCB & Bangladesh Government React

The decision has been met with fierce condemnation from the Bangladesh interim government. Asif Nazrul, the Adviser for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, issued a stern statement on Facebook, labeling the move as “bowing to extremist communal groups.”

“If a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India despite being under contract, then the national team cannot feel safe traveling to India for the World Cup. I have directed the board to request that Bangladesh’s matches be held in Sri Lanka instead.” — Asif Nazrul

BCCI’s “Logistical Nightmare” Warning

Responding to reports of the relocation request, a senior BCCI source dismissed the idea, describing it as highly impractical given the tournament begins on February 7, 2026.

• Logistics: Hotels, air tickets, and security arrangements for opposition teams (England, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal) are already finalized.
• Broadcasting: Shifting venues would disrupt the global broadcast crew’s pre-planned movements across the two host nations.
• The “Whims” Comment: A BCCI source told, “You can’t just change games at someone’s whims and fancies. It is a logistical nightmare.”

Bangladesh’s Original Group A Schedule (India Leg)