The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken a drastic step, announcing that its national team will not travel to India for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2026. This major decision comes amidst a growing diplomatic and sporting rift triggered by the controversial release of pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
IPL Broadcast Ban and World Cup Withdrawal
In a significant escalation, the Bangladesh government has ordered a complete suspension of all IPL broadcasts and telecasts within the country. The BCB, citing security concerns for its players and officials, confirmed the team's withdrawal from the marquee tournament scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The board stated the move was necessary "to safeguard the safety and well-being of Bangladeshi players, team officials and board members."
The chain of events began when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a directive that led to KKR releasing Mustafizur Rahman. KKR had acquired the left-arm seamer for a substantial Rs 9.2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, making him the sole Bangladeshi cricketer to secure a contract for the season. Mustafizur, a veteran of 60 IPL matches with 65 wickets for franchises like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings, found himself at the center of a cross-border controversy.
Rajin Saleh Laments Political Interference in Cricket
Former Bangladesh batter Rajin Saleh, who played 24 Tests and 43 ODIs, expressed deep disappointment over the developments. He labeled the exclusion of Bangladeshi players from the IPL as a "major setback" for cricket in his country. "Previously, many Bangladesh players like Mushfiqur, Taskin and Shakib played in the IPL. But this time, no Bangladesh player will play. It's a big setback for Bangladesh cricket. Definitely, for Bangladesh, it's a huge loss," Saleh told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.
Saleh passionately argued for keeping politics separate from sports. "Politics should be kept aside and cricket should be played... The ground may be different, but cricket is separate," he said. He emphasized the shared cultural fabric, noting the presence of both Hindus and Muslims in both nations. The former cricketer revealed that the strained bilateral relations, which have persisted since the 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh, are casting a shadow over the sport.
Security Concerns and a Bold Prediction
When asked about the World Cup boycott, Saleh pointed directly to security as the core issue. "Security is the main concern. If good security is provided to Mustafizur and the Bangladesh team, why not go?" he questioned. He expressed sadness over the board's decision, acknowledging India's importance to Bangladesh cricket. "We are hurt by this news... India are very important to us. Bangladesh have gained a lot from India. We have learnt a lot from India," he added.
Despite the tensions, Saleh made a bold sporting prediction. Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7, 2026, he backed Bangladesh to triumph if they face India in the Super Eights stage. He believes Mustafizur Rahman would be instrumental in such a victory. "Mustafizur will do well... If he plays against India, he should perform even better. Bangladesh should aim to beat India. I am sure Bangladesh will beat India if they meet in the Super Eights," Saleh asserted.
The tournament will see 20 teams compete across eight venues in India and Sri Lanka over 29 days. India, the defending champions, are in Group A with the USA, Pakistan, Netherlands, and Namibia. Bangladesh is placed in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal.
