Bangladesh has formally requested that its matches in next month’s T20 World Cup be moved to Sri Lanka after India pressured fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman to withdraw from the IPL. The move comes amid escalating political tensions between the two nations.
Asif Nazrul, Youth and Sports Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, condemned India’s actions, stating that Bangladeshi cricket and players would not tolerate any insult. He instructed the Bangladesh Cricket Board to write to the ICC requesting relocation of the matches.
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Mustafizur Rahman, snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders for over $1 million, was released after the BCCI “advised” the team to let him go due to political concerns. Nazrul emphasised that if one cricketer cannot play safely in India, the entire team’s security could be at risk.
The T20 World Cup begins on February 7, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh is scheduled to play its four group matches in India, while Pakistan will play all matches in Sri Lanka under a neutral venue agreement.
Political relations between India and Bangladesh soured following the 2024 uprising in Dhaka, which toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a key ally of New Delhi. Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has accused India of exaggerating tensions, while India has criticised alleged hostility against minorities.
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BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul said an emergency meeting will determine next steps, focusing on player safety and dignity. Nazrul also requested the Information and Broadcasting Adviser to block IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh as a response to the incident.