Bangladesh refuse to travel to India for T20 World Cup citing safety concerns

(UPDATE) Bangladesh have refused to travel to India for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, with the BCB citing concerns around “safety and well-being” of the players in a climate of deteriorating political ties between the two countries, and sparked by BCCI instructions to Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman.

Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches were scheduled to be held in Kolkata and Mumbai, with their opening fixture against West Indies at Eden Gardens on February 7.

“Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and the growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India and considering the advice from the Bangladesh Government, the Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions,” the BCB said in a statement.

“In light of this decision, the BCB has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC), as the event authority, to consider relocating all of Bangladesh’s matches to a venue outside India.”

The Bangladesh Cricket Board is seeking to move their Twenty20 World Cup matches out of India after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by his Indian Premier League team amid growing tensions between the countries, ESPNCricinfo reported.

Kolkata Knight Riders said on Saturday they had released the Bangladesh bowler after being told to do so by India’s board (BCCI).

Bangladesh are scheduled to play three Twenty20 World Cup matches in Kolkata next month, with the tournament being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Last month, hundreds protested near Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi after Hindu factory worker Dipu Chandra Das was beaten and set on fire in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district by a crowd that accused him of making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad.

A total of 12 people were arrested in connection with his death.

The incident worsened relations between India and its neighbour, with ties already strained after Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to New Delhi following protests against her.

After Mustafizur’s release on Saturday, ESPNCricinfo reported the BCB had held an emergency meeting and were planning to write to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their matches and raise concerns about player safety.

“We have three matches of the T20 World Cup in Kolkata, so we will write to the ICC regarding what has happened today,” BCB media ⁠committee chairman Amzad Hussain told ESPNcricinfo.

Last year, the ICC allowed India to play Champions Trophy matches in the United Arab Emirates due to soured relations with hosts Pakistan.

On Sunday, cricket news site Cricbuzz reported that the BCB would ask the BCCI for a formal explanation regarding Mustafizur’s release.

The ICC and BCB did not immediately respond to Reuters ⁠requests for comment.

Bangladesh are due to play West Indies, England and Italy in Kolkata before ending the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai.

Source: Reuters

- Agencies