Bangladesh Cricket Board Plans To Petition ICC For T20 World Cup Venue Reconsideration , Wants Matches To Be Shifted To Sri Lanka

The Bangladesh Cricket Board is planning to approach the ICC to reconsider a venue change in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, slated to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh are scheduled to play three group stage matches in Kolkata, followed by one in Mumbai.

Bangladesh Set To Approach BCCI For T20 World Cup Venue Change

The development comes in the aftermath of KKR releasing Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. India and Bangladesh's relations have taken a severe hit after the death of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man, in Mymensingh last month. Apart from Dipu Chandra's death, there have been several reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

A BCB official confirmed they are set to approach the ICC, as there is a security concern for Bangladeshi players.

A BCB official was quoted as per Telecom Asia Sport.“I cannot make any comment regarding the release of Mustafizur as this is their internal matter, but as far as taking part in the World Cup is concerned, it is an ICC event, and they will make the final call after taking everything into consideration."

As per local media reports, Bangladesh's men's team won't participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India, following a decision made at a directors’ meeting on Sunday, according to the Daily Star. A BCB official further stated that the board has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s fixtures from India to Sri Lanka.

Also Read: India Tour Of Bangladesh Runs Into Hot Waters Amid Political Unrest, BCCI Yet To Confirm Participation: Report

KKR Released Mustafizur Rahman From IPL 2026 Squad

Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed that they have released Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL squad following instructions from the BCCI. KKR snapped up Mustafizur for a whopping 9.2 crore at the IPL auction, and he was supposed to play a pivotal part in IPL 2026. The 3-time IPL champions will now be allowed to announce a replacement in place of Mustafizur, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed.

Mustafizur happened to be the most expensive Bangladeshi player ever in IPL history. Delhi Capitals signed Mustafizur in place of Jake Fraser-McGurk, who leftthe  IPL midway due to personal reasons.

Also Read: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Check Out Full Squads Of All Participating Sides, The Captains And The Groups