BCCI BCB Dispute: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is considering approaching the ICC to seek a change of venue for Bangladesh’s matches during the T20 World Cup 2026. Amid these reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reacted to the speculation surrounding Bangladesh’s reported plans to write to the ICC.
Following instructions from the BCCI, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. They had bought him for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. The issue between the BCCI and BCB grew after the decision to release the fast bowler ahead of the tournament.
Mustafizur Rahman released IPL: KKR Makes Big Move Amid Rising India-Bangladesh Tensions
Kolkata Knight Riders released Mustafizur Rahman after the Board of Control for Cricket in India asked the franchise to remove him from the squad. Recent violent incidents in Bangladesh and growing political instability have added to the strain between the two countries.
Your daily dose of cricket!
After Rahman’s release, the Bangladesh Cricket Board held an emergency meeting. The board was also directed by the sports ministry to seek a shift of Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches away from India.
The BCCI did not openly link the decision to politics but said that the move was based on the overall situation. It’s worth mentioning that relations between the two nations worsened after former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India following anti-government protests.
BCB ICC request: BCB Told to Seek ICC Intervention Following Mustafizur Rahman’s Release
After an emergency meeting, BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul decided not to speak on the issue. However, government advisor Asif Nazrul directed the board to approach the ICC and request that Bangladesh’s four T20 World Cup league matches be shifted from India to Sri Lanka.
“As the adviser in charge of the Ministry of Sports, I have instructed the Cricket Control Board to put the entire matter in writing and explain it to the ICC,” Nazrul wrote in Bengali on his Facebook page.
“The board must make it clear that if a Bangladeshi cricketer, despite being under contract, cannot play in India, then the Bangladesh national team cannot feel safe travelling to India to play the World Cup.
“I have also directed the board to formally request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka instead,” he further wrote.
India-Bangladesh Cricket Relations: BCCI Responds to Bangladesh’s Request to Shift T20 World Cup Matches from India
The BCCI reacted to suggestions to move Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches out of India. Officials said that changing venues would create major logistical problems and disrupt carefully planned schedules.
The BCCI pointed out that teams’ travel, accommodation, broadcast arrangements, and match-day operations are already locked in. Shifting games on short notice is unrealistic, especially with multiple matches scheduled each day across different countries.
“You can’t just change games at someone’s whims and fancies. It is a logistical nightmare. Think about opposition teams. Their air tickets, hotels are booked,” news agency PTI quoted a BCCI source as saying.
“Also, on all days, there are three games each, which means one game is in Sri Lanka. There is a broadcast crew. So it will be easier said than done,” the source added.
Also read: Bangladesh cricketers to be BANNED from IPL and Indian-owned leagues
