Bangladesh’s cricket board has refused to send its team to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup, citing security concerns amid strained bilateral ties. The BCB formally requested the ICC to shift their group matches from Kolkata and Mumbai to Sri Lanka, but talks in Dhaka yielded no agreement. ICC has issued a Wednesday deadline, threatening expulsion and possible replacement by Scotland.
Dispute Origins
Tensions escalated after India’s BCCI forced IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman on January 3, following political pressure linked to Bangladesh’s 2024 uprising against PM Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus accused India of exaggerating minority violence claims.
Tournament Impact
The event starts February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, with Bangladesh in Group C facing England. Options discussed include swapping with Ireland’s Group B or logistical reshuffles, but experts call it challenging with one month left. Pakistan plays all matches in neutral Colombo.
