In the aftermath of Mustafizur Rahman's exit from IPL 2026, Bangladesh’s interim government has apparently requested the BCB to write to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate the team’s upcoming T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. It all happened after BCCI directed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 IPL season.
Bangladesh govt steps in, wants T20 World Cup matches moved to Sri Lanka
The directive to exclude Mustafizur—who was signed for Rs 9.20 crore—was reportedly driven by a desire to respect national sentiments following recent reports of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
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Bangladesh's interim government’s Youth and Sports Adviser, Dr. Asif Nazrul took to Facebook and instructed BCB to seek an alternative venue within the co-host nation, Sri Lanka.
This is the literal translation of Asif Nazrul's Facebook post:
"Bowing to pressure from extremist communal groups, the Indian Cricket Board has instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from their team. I strongly condemn and protest this decision."
"As the minister in charge of the Ministry of Sports, I have instructed the Cricket Control Board to write to the ICC explaining the entire matter. The board should inform them that if a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India despite being under contract, then the entire Bangladeshi cricket team cannot feel safe going to India to play in the World Cup. I have also instructed the board to request that Bangladesh's World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka."
"I have requested the Minister of Information and Broadcasting to stop the broadcast of IPL matches in Bangladesh!
Under no circumstances will we tolerate any insult to Bangladesh's cricket, its cricketers, or Bangladesh itself. The days of subservience are over!"
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Bangladesh's T20 World Cup schedule
Bangladesh has been placed in Group C for the upcoming T20 World Cup, where they will face off against England, the West Indies, Nepal, and Italy. Their campaign is set to begin in Kolkata, with their first three fixtures against the West Indies, Italy, and England all scheduled to take place at the iconic Eden Gardens.
Following their stint in Kolkata, the team will travel to Mumbai for their final group-stage match. This concluding encounter will see them take on Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium, a crucial game that could determine their progress into the Super Eight stage of the tournament.