Bangladesh has announced it will not send its national cricket team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing serious security concerns amid rising tensions. The decision highlights how regional political and social issues are increasingly affecting international sports, including cricket.
Bangladesh’s sports adviser, Dr. Asif Nazrul Islam, confirmed that the team will not travel to India for the tournament. He stated that, under the current circumstances, there is no justification for visiting India, as authorities there are seen as unable to guarantee the safety of Bangladeshi players. Ensuring player security, he emphasized, remains the top priority for Bangladesh.
Following this stance, Bangladesh has formally requested that its T20 World Cup matches scheduled to be played in India be shifted to Sri Lanka instead. The move reflects growing unease within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding player welfare and the overall environment for visiting teams.
Tensions between the two cricket boards reportedly escalated after the release of a Bangladeshi player from the Indian Premier League (IPL), an incident that added to existing concerns. In particular, the release of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman is said to have intensified fears about how Bangladeshi players are treated and protected in India. As a result, the BCB directed officials to seek alternative venues for Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Under the current schedule, Bangladesh is set to play its first match on February 7 against West Indies, followed by games against Italy on February 9 and England on February 14, all in Kolkata. Their fourth match, against Nepal on February 17, is scheduled to take place in Mumbai. Bangladesh is now pushing for these fixtures to be relocated to Sri Lanka.
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The situation draws parallels with earlier decisions involving Pakistan, which was denied permission by India to play in the Champions Trophy, leading to matches being held at neutral venues. Similarly, Pakistan is set to play its World Cup matches in Sri Lanka under a comparable arrangement, reflecting a growing trend of neutral venues amid regional tensions.
