Bangladesh Refuses to Play T20 World Cup Matches in India

AFP/APP

Dhaka: Bangladesh has requested that its matches at next month’s T20 World Cup be moved to Sri Lanka, following the release of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) under pressure from Indian authorities.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said in a statement on Sunday that the national team “will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions,” citing safety concerns and government advice. The BCB formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift their group matches to Sri Lanka.

The tensions follow political strains between the two nations after a mass uprising in Dhaka in 2024 toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi.

Mustafizur, snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders in December for over $1 million, was released after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) “advised” the team to do so.

“Where a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India despite being contracted, the entire Bangladeshi cricket team cannot feel safe going to the World Cup,” said Asif Nazrul, Youth and Sports Adviser in the interim government. He added that the government would also ask Bangladeshi broadcasters to stop airing the IPL.

The T20 World Cup, starting February 7, is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh is scheduled to play its four group-stage matches in India, while Pakistan will play all its matches in Sri Lanka under a prior agreement for neutral venues.

BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul emphasized that “the dignity and security of our cricketers are our top priorities.”

The diplomatic row comes days after Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Bangladesh, the highest-level visit since Hasina’s ouster. Bangladesh will hold its first elections since the uprising on February 12.