In a major development ahead of next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Bangladesh won’t travel to India for T20 World Cup matches due to mounting security concerns. The decision was taken by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) following an emergency meeting and comes amid strained diplomatic relations between the two nations. According to government adviser Asif Nazrul, the call reflects growing unease within Bangladesh over the safety of its players and officials.
Nazrul confirmed via a social media post that Bangladesh won’t travel to India for T20 World Cup fixtures scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai. He further stated that the decision was influenced by what he described as a “hostile environment” and recent developments affecting Bangladeshi cricketers in Indian domestic leagues. The announcement has sparked significant debate across the cricketing world, as Bangladesh won’t travel to India for T20 World Cup participation for the first time in recent history.
BCB Approaches ICC to Shift Matches to Sri Lanka
Following the decision, the BCB formally approached the Jay Shah-led International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting a venue change for Bangladesh’s four league matches. Officials confirmed that Bangladesh won’t travel to India for T20 matches and instead proposed Sri Lanka, a co-host nation, as the alternative venue. Three matches were originally scheduled in Kolkata, with one in Mumbai.
In its statement, the BCB emphasized that Bangladesh won’t travel to India for T20 games after reviewing the “prevailing situation” and receiving government advice. The board cited concerns arising over the last 24 hours, highlighting uncertainty surrounding player security. The ICC is now expected to review the request urgently, given the proximity of the tournament and the seriousness of the claims that Bangladesh won’t travel to India for T20 World Cup fixtures under current conditions.
IPL Fallout and Diplomatic Tensions Add to Crisis
The situation escalated further after IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman following directives from the BCCI. Nazrul pointed to this episode as evidence that Bangladesh won’t travel to India for T20 matches safely, even at the international level. Rahman had been signed for ₹9.20 crore at the IPL auction but was let go due to what the BCCI termed “prevailing circumstances.”
Bangladesh officials argue that if contracted players cannot play in India, Bangladesh won’t travel to India for T20 World Cup matches as a national side. The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of strained bilateral relations since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. As matters stand, Bangladesh won’t travel to India for T20 World Cup matches unless the ICC intervenes and approves a neutral venue, potentially reshaping the tournament’s logistics.
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