Bangladesh refuse to travel to India for T20 World Cup amid Mustafizur Rahman row

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided against travelling to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, triggering chaos just weeks before the tournament begins on February 7. The decision came in the wake of the recent controversy that saw Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman released from his Indian Premier League (IPL) contract by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), amid heightened tensions between the two countries.

BCB seeks to shift matches to Sri Lanka over security concerns

Sources confirmed to NDTV that the Bangladesh team is no longer willing to play its T20 World Cup matches in India and wants them to be shifted to Sri Lanka. The BCB is not pulling out of the T20 World Cup, but no longer wishes to send its players to India over security concerns amid the current conflict between the two countries.

In a Facebook post, Asif Nazrul, an advisor to Bangladesh who also oversees the country’s youth and sports ministry, said that during the meeting, the BCB decided against travelling to India for the T20 World Cup.

“Bangladesh will not go to India to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has taken this decision today. We welcome this decision, which has been taken in the context of the aggressive communal policies of the Indian Cricket Board,” he said.

Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL release sparks diplomatic fallout

Mustafizur, who became the most expensive Bangladeshi player ever after KKR secured his services for Rs 9.20 crore at last month’s mini-auction, was released from the IPL squad following instructions from the BCCI. The move came amid heightened tensions following the recent killing of Hindus by mobs in Bangladesh, which prompted some groups in India to demand that the BCCI bar Bangladeshi players from the IPL.

With the BCCI not allowing Rahman to play in India, Nazrul expressed apprehension about the safety of Bangladesh players in India and therefore sought a change of venue.

“I have instructed the Cricket Control Board to submit a written explanation of the entire matter to the ICC. The Board should clearly state that when a Bangladeshi cricketer, despite being under contract, is unable to play in India, the Bangladesh national team cannot feel safe travelling there to participate in the World Cup. I have also directed the Board to request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka,” Nazrul had written in an earlier Facebook post.

Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup schedule in India

Bangladesh are scheduled to play four T20 World Cup matches in India:

  • West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata

  • Italy on February 9 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata

  • England on February 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata

  • Nepal on February 17 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Bangladesh demands IPL broadcast suspension

Furthermore, Nazrul has asked the advisor for information and broadcasting to suspend the broadcast of IPL matches in Bangladesh.

“Additionally, I have asked the Adviser for Information and Broadcasting to suspend the broadcast of IPL matches in Bangladesh. Under no circumstances will we tolerate any disrespect toward Bangladesh cricket, Bangladeshi cricketers, or Bangladesh itself,” he added.

Logistical challenges for ICC

The BCB’s demand to shift matches to Sri Lanka comes just weeks before the tournament, presenting a logistical nightmare for the International Cricket Council (ICC) and host nations. Opposition teams have already booked air tickets and hotels, and broadcast arrangements are in place.

A BCCI source earlier called such a shift “next to impossible,” stating: “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. Also on all days there are three games each, which means one game is in Sri Lanka. There is broadcast crew. So it will be easier said than done.”

The unfolding situation has added unprecedented complexity to the T20 World Cup, with just over a month remaining before the tournament begins.