T20 World Cup 2026: Bangladesh will not travel to India after Mustafizur controversy, T20 World Cup controversy deepens

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made a significant decision, announcing that it will not send its team to India for the T20 World Cup. The controversy began when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to drop Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the team. This further escalated tensions between India and Bangladesh (T20 World Cup 2026).

After much discussion, the BCB released a statement where they revealed that they will not let their national team travel to India for the World Cup due to security reasons. They also officially wrote to the ICC (International Cricket Council) requesting that they shift their matches of the World Cup out of India. 

“Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and the growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India and considering the advice from the Bangladesh Government, the Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions,” the BCB said in a release.

“In light of this decision, the BCB has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC), as the event authority, to consider relocating all of Bangladesh’s matches to a venue outside India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board looks forward to the ICC’s understanding of the situation and an urgent response on this matter,” the statement read.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play their T20 World Cup matches against the West Indies, Italy, and England on February 7, 9, and 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata before facing Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 17. 

BCCI calls change impossible
The BCCI also responded to Bangladesh's demand to hold the matches in Sri Lanka. According to BCCI sources, changes to the tournament schedule are now impossible. All arrangements for air tickets, hotels, and broadcasting for the opposing teams have already been finalized. Three matches are scheduled daily. With only a month left for the tournament to begin, changing the schedule is impractical.

BCB cancels Mustafizur's NOC
Amidst this entire development, the BCB has taken another major step and revoked Mustafizur Rahman's No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play in the IPL. The board clarified that even if KKR reconsiders its decision, the safety of the players will not be compromised.Bangladesh announced its squad for the T20 World Cup on Sunday, naming Liton Das as captain and Saif Hasan as vice-captain. However, the team's decision not to travel to India has become a sensitive issue for both cricket and diplomacy ahead of the tournament. 

Decision to postpone Bangladesh tour 
Amid rising political tensions in Bangladesh, the BCCI has decided to postpone the Indian team's tour of Bangladesh. The BCCI will seek government approval before making a final decision on the Indian team's tour. Due to the current situation in the neighboring country, India and Bangladesh's cricketing relations appear to be becoming more like those of Pakistan.