T20 World Cup: BCCI rejects BCB request to move T20 World Cup matches to Sri Lanka

Tensions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has recently deteriorated due to the BCB's request that Bangladesh's matches in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup be moved from India. This dispute stems from the recent release of Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman from KKR's squad for IPL 2026. This incident caused widespread outrage in Bangladesh.

Mustafizur was signed by KKR for ₹9.20 crore, but due to increasing pressure about civil unrest and safety in Bangladesh, Mustafizur was released from KKR's squad. The BCB was furious over the BCCI's decision and decided to approach the ICC for safety-related reasons and to request that Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches be moved to Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh is scheduled to play three of its four group stages at Eden Gardens in Kolkata and one at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. However, the BCB is requesting the ICC review the security measures in India because if a contracted Bangladeshi player cannot play in the IPL, then there may be security issues for the entire team when travelling to India to play in a global tournament.

BCCI Issues Strong Response to BCB

This week's announcement from the BCB, calling for an immediate transfer of the April 2026 matches from India to Bangladesh, has met with an equally strong response from the BCCI. According to BCCI sources who spoke to PTI, the BCB's proposal is unfeasible and 'disruptive to the sport.' The BCCI pointed out that moving matches on such short notice would create logistical difficulties surrounding travel, accommodation, scheduling, and other logistical arrangements.

"You cannot move games just because someone doesn't like them where they are," said one BCCI source. "This is a logistical nightmare. You have numerous games being played in multiple locations each day with broadcasters located across venues, and it would be very difficult to transfer games to another country."

As tensions rise, Bangladesh has now opted to withdraw from airing the IPL 2026 matches in Bangladesh. In an official statement, Bangladeshi Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul confirmed that the BCB has been asked to formally present its request to the ICC and that if player safety cannot be guaranteed, then Bangladesh will request a change of venue. Currently, all of Bangladesh's matches remain scheduled to be played in India for now and are grouped together with England, the West Indies, Italy, and Nepal.