'Logistical nightmare': BCCI reacts to Bangladesh wanting T20 World Cup matches shifted to Sri Lanka

On January 3, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh’s left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. The BCCI directive came in the aftermath of Hindus facing violent attacks on Bangladesh soil after the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who took refuge in India. Responding to Mustafizur getting dropped from KKR, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was instructed by its sports ministry to seek shifting their T20 World Cup 2026 group stage matches from India to Sri Lanka citing security reasons.

As per a BCCI source, shifting of Bangladesh’s games to Sri Lanka is out of question as there are several logistics which need to be taken care of in advance.

"You can't just change games at someone's whims and fancies. It is a logistical nightmare. Think about opposition teams. Their air tickets, hotels are booked,” the BCCI source told PTI.

"Also on all days there are three games each which means one game is in Sri Lanka. There is broadcast crew. So it will be easier said than done," the source said.

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No IPL broadcast in Bangladesh?

Meanwhile, Bangladesh government adviser Asif Nazrul has requested their adviser for Information and Broadcasting Ministry (I&B) to ensure that IPL broadcast in the country is suspended.

"I have requested the adviser for Information and Broadcasting to ensure that the broadcast of the IPL in Bangladesh is also suspended.

"Under no circumstances will we tolerate any insult to Bangladeshi cricket, cricketers, or Bangladesh itself. The days of servitude are over," he said.

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In addition, there is a big question mark over India’s tour of Bangladesh in September 2026. The rescheduled tour is under doubt as well amid ongoing political tensions between the two countries.

KKR not obligated to pay Mustafizur

Mustafizur was roped in by KKR for a whopping Rs 9.2 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. He became the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL auction history and also got the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from BCB to skip home series against New Zealand and play all matches in IPL. After dropping him, KKR are not obligated to fulfill their contractual obligations to Mustafizur as the directive came directly from the BCCI. The pacer won't be paid any part of the amount.