Bangladesh has decided not to play their T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, with a government advisor confirming the call was taken after discussions involving the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Bangladesh will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, according to a senior government advisor. The decision was confirmed by Asif Nazrul, who oversees youth and sports affairs in Bangladesh. The call followed an emergency meeting involving the Bangladesh Cricket Board and relevant authorities.
Discussions took place amid rising tensions between India and Bangladesh in recent weeks. The situation escalated after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from the Kolkata Knight Riders team ahead of IPL 2026. During the meeting, the BCB agreed not to send the national team to India for the global event. Reports from the Daily Star indicate that the BCB is expected to issue an official statement soon to clarify the next steps.
Government advisor Asif Nazrul also said the Bangladesh Cricket Board would seek intervention from the ICC. Bangladesh has requested that its T20 World Cup matches be moved to Sri Lanka. The team is scheduled to face West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, England on February 14, and Nepal on February 17.
“Bangladesh will not go to India to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has taken this decision today. We welcome this decision, which has been taken in the context of the aggressive communal policies of the Indian Cricket Board,” Nazrul wrote on his Facebook page.
“I have instructed the Cricket Control Board to submit a written explanation of the entire matter to the ICC. The Board should clearly state that when a Bangladeshi cricketer, despite being under contract, is unable to play in India, the Bangladesh national team cannot feel safe travelling there to participate in the World Cup. I have also directed the Board to request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka,” he continued.
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“Additionally, I have asked the Adviser for Information and Broadcasting to suspend the broadcast of IPL matches in Bangladesh. Under no circumstances will we tolerate any disrespect toward Bangladesh cricket, Bangladeshi cricketers, or Bangladesh itself,” Nazrul concluded.
The fixtures were originally set for Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Authorities have also asked broadcasters to suspend IPL telecasts in Bangladesh. The board is expected to issue a detailed update soon.
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