India–Bangladesh Cricket Row Deepens: BCB Pushes ICC for World Cup Venue Change
The brewing diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh have now spilled onto the cricket field with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) pushing the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its team’s 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches out of India. Bangladesh’s demand follows growing unease over security and national pride concerns less than a month before the tournament begins.
BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul clarified that the board has no objection to playing cricket anywhere in the world, but stressed that player safety and dignity remain non-negotiable. Along with government sports adviser Asif Nazrul, he formally asked the ICC to shift all Bangladesh matches scheduled in Indian cities, including Kolkata and Mumbai, to co-host Sri Lanka.
The controversy intensified after Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s sudden removal from the Indian Premier League (IPL), a move widely linked to political tensions between the neighbouring countries. This prompted Bangladesh to question whether its team can compete safely in India.
Responding to the request, the ICC has so far not agreed to relocate fixtures, stating there’s no credible security threat identified that would justify altering the tournament schedule at this stage. Media reports also suggested the ICC might insist Bangladesh either play in India as scheduled or risk sporting consequences — though the BCB has refuted claims of any formal ultimatum.
The BCB insists this isn’t about avoiding competition but about upholding national honour and ensuring safety. With the T20 World Cup set to kick off on 7 February 2026, the standoff places the future of Bangladesh’s participation in the spotlight — and could set a precedent for how global sport navigates geopolitical challenges.
