Former Indian cricket star Harbhajan Singh has shared his perspective on the escalating situation between the cricket boards of India and Bangladesh. This comes after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its scheduled matches away from India for the upcoming 2026 Men's T20 World Cup.
BCB Cites Security Concerns for T20 World Cup Request
The 2026 Men's T20 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. However, the BCB has expressed apprehensions about playing in India, citing specific safety and security concerns for its team. In an official communication to the ICC, the board has asked for its fixtures to be moved to another venue.
Speaking to ANI, Harbhajan Singh urged for a calm and procedural approach to the matter. "Due to the various events that have taken place in the past few days, Bangladesh does not want to come to India. Whatever happened in Bangladesh is wrong," he stated. The veteran off-spinner emphasized that the final decision rests with the global governing body. "ICC needs to make a decision on their request. We welcome everyone to India, but whether they want to come here or not is their choice," he added.
The Chain of Events: From IPL Release to Broadcast Ban
The current diplomatic tension on the cricket field has been building from a series of interconnected incidents:
- Mustafizur Rahman's IPL Exit: The immediate trigger was the release of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for the IPL 2026 season. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed KKR to release the player, a move confirmed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia as being "due to the recent developments." Mustafizur had been bought by KKR for a significant sum of Rs 9.20 crore in the previous mini-auction.
- Bangladesh's Retaliatory Move: In a swift response, the Bangladesh government announced the suspension of all IPL 2026 broadcasts within the country. The nation's Press Information Department issued a statement declaring that all IPL matches and related programming would remain off air "until further notice."
ICC's Crucial Role and the Path Forward
Harbhajan Singh underscored that such cross-border cricketing disputes fall squarely under the ICC's jurisdiction. He stressed the need for institutional resolution through proper channels, rather than public posturing from either side. The ICC now holds the responsibility to adjudicate Bangladesh's request, balancing security protocols with the tournament's logistical framework.
The situation presents a complex challenge for the ICC, which must navigate the political undercurrents while ensuring the smooth execution of one of its flagship events. The outcome of this request will set a significant precedent for how similar concerns are handled in the future of international cricket.
