The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken a dramatic step, formally requesting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its matches for the upcoming T20 World Cup away from India. This unprecedented move stems from a profound sense of insecurity regarding the team's safety in the host nation.
Security Concerns Prompt Formal Request
BCB president Aminul Islam addressed the media on Monday, January 5, 2026, revealing the board's decision. This came just a day after the BCB dispatched its official appeal to the ICC. Aminul stated unequivocally that after thorough deliberations with the board's directors, they have concluded they cannot guarantee the team's security in India under the present circumstances.
"You know that we, along with all the directors of the cricket board, held two meetings before taking this decision and at this moment we do not feel secure sending our team to India to play the World Cup," Aminul told reporters. He emphasized that security is their paramount concern, which formed the core of their communication to the global cricketing body.
The Trigger: Mustafizur Rahman's IPL Release
The immediate catalyst for this diplomatic cricketing row was the instructed release of Bangladeshi pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The directive came from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While announcing the decision, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia cited vague "developments all around" without providing specific details, a move that evidently raised alarms in Dhaka.
Aminul clarified that the BCB is communicating directly with the ICC, as the T20 World Cup is an ICC event, and not with the BCCI. "We have sent an email to the ICC and we are expecting them to tell us to have a meeting with them soon where we will express our concern," he said. The board's future actions are now contingent on the ICC's official response to their request.
World Cup Schedule and Broader Context
Bangladesh was slated to play a significant part in the Indian-hosted tournament. Their schedule included:
- Three matches in Kolkata
- One match in Mumbai
Drawn in Group C, the Tigers were scheduled to begin their campaign against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on February 7. Their group also featured defending champions England, Italy, and Nepal.
This cricketing tension unfolds against a backdrop of strained political relations between India and Bangladesh. The situation deteriorated following the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who sought refuge in India in August 2025 after widespread anti-government protests. A tribunal later sentenced her to death in absentia for her alleged role in a deadly crackdown. The period since her removal has also seen reports of violent attacks targeting the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
The BCB's bold request places the ICC in a delicate position, balancing tournament logistics with member board apprehensions. The cricketing world now awaits the ICC's pivotal response, which will determine the next chapter in this unfolding saga.
