Amidst the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League, Bangladesh T20 captain Litton Das was asked about how his country has been preparing for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (to take place in 2026), and answered in a very frank manner that left many at the press conference with more questions than answers. Litton said that although he is the captain of the team, he also does not know if they will go to India for the T20 World Cup in 2026, illustrating the lack of definite plans for the country.

Litton further added that the BPL conditions are not good enough for preparing for a tournament like the T20 World Cup, and pointed out that the conditions of the pitches are different from what will be experienced at the World Cup which will feature a total of twenty teams and start on February 7, 2026, in India and Sri Lanka.

"Are you sure we are going to play in the World Cup? In fact, there is still a long time to go before the World Cup, and we are not even certain whether we will go at all. This is by no means an ideal wicket for T20 cricket. We had expected a much better wicket for a qualifier match,” Litton told as quoted saying on The Daily Star.

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Bangladesh government imposed a ban on the broadcast of the IPL

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) have held ongoing negotiations about relocating the T20 World Cup matches to another location other than India due to the increase in tensions across borders between the two countries, which has created doubt about Bangladesh’s ability to participate in the event. Despite attempts made by the ICC to persuade the BCB to maintain plans for an Indian location to play, thus far, BCB has remained steadfast not to change its decision for moving the matches.

As per the current schedule, Bangladesh is scheduled to play three of their four league games in Kolkata, India, and play the last game at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India. After receiving confirmation from BCCI that they had prevented Mustafizur Rahman from playing in IPL based on the new developments concerning bilateral relationships between their countries, BCB asked that they revise the itinerary of the matches to be moved out of India.

In response, the Bangladesh government imposed a ban on the broadcast of the IPL within the country and reiterated its position against touring India for the global tournament. These moves further escalated the standoff, placing the ICC in a challenging position as it tries to find a workable solution. A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation and venue arrangements for the T20 World Cup is expected on Wednesday, January 21, leaving barely two weeks before the tournament gets underway.

The final round of important talks between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) began with a logistical problem. A planned two-person delegation was reduced to one because of visa issues. Andrew Ephgrave, the ICC's Head of Anti-Corruption and Security, travelled to Dhaka alone on 17th January to address the ongoing deadlock over Bangladesh's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. His colleague, a senior ICC executive from India, could not travel because he did not get a visa on time, according to local media.

The visit is seen as a last effort by the ICC to resolve a diplomatic and sporting problem that has affected the tournament, which is set to start on 7 February.

The dispute centres on security concerns raised by the Bangladesh government and the BCB. Bangladesh has formally asked the ICC to move their group-stage matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing safety concerns for players and staff due to the current political situation.

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ICC’s Last-ditch Effort to Secure Bangladesh’s Participation

With his colleague unable to travel, Andrew Ephgrave carries the full responsibility of negotiations. A former British police officer with experience in international sports security, he must present a detailed plan to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi players in India for the T20 World Cup. The delay of an ICC official due to visa issues highlights the tense political climate between Bangladesh and India.

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Security Concerns and Tournament Stakes

Bangladesh has requested moving their group-stage matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing safety and diplomatic concerns. Recent incidents, including Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL release and the broadcast ban, have increased worries. With the tournament starting on February 7, the ICC is offering alternative Indian cities like Chennai. Ephgrave’s task is to convince the BCB that players will be safe and the tournament can proceed without political or security issues.

The former Afghanistan captain, Mohammad Nabi, has blasted a reporter due to the question surrounding the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 controversy involving the left-arm Bangladesh pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after the BCCI banned the pacer and forced the franchise to release him from their squad. 

While a lot has been talked and written about the incident, as one of the Bangladesh reporters asked Nabi to share his view on the controversy, the Afghanistan allrounder is currently playing for the Noakhali Express in the ongoing 2025/26 season of the बांग्लादेशी%20मीडिया%20ने%20मुस्तफिजुर%20को%20IPL%20से%20निकालने%20के%20बारे%20में%20सवाल%20पूछा%20

%20तो%20भड़के%20अफगानिस्तान%20के%20नबी%20pic.twitter.com/62oIyLdZ8w

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president, Aminul Islam Bulbul, expressed that the board would still be waiting for a response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on its concerns over playing the T20 World Cup games at venues in India, which reiterates that Bangladesh’s position on the issue has not changed.

Bangladesh has conveyed its reluctance to tour India for the tournament, which begins February 07, and has requested that its matches be shifted to co-host Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. These were raised after Bangladesh pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, was released by the IPL side, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

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“We haven't yet received any reply from the ICC. We have sent all the attachments and proofs of our concern. Any alternate Indian venue at the end of the day is an Indian venue. You all know that no unilateral decision can be taken and we have to abide by the government's diktat.” The BCB president expressed, as cited by the news agency PTI.

BCB president speaks on T20 World Cup 2026 venue relocation

Bangladesh are scheduled to play the three group-stage games in Kolkata and Mumbai. Their first games were going to take place against West Indies, England, and Italy, before they moved to the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for the final group game against Nepal.

“I haven't heard about Hyderabad and Chennai being replacement venues. We might come to know maybe on Monday or Tuesday. I believe Bangladesh is a big team in world cricket. We have played the quarterfinals of the 2015 ODI World Cup; we played the Champions Trophy semifinals, and in sub-continental conditions, we have a good chance of doing well.” The BCB president addressed.

“It was the personal opinion of the director, and I have asked him to clarify. Tamim has achieved so much, and he should have kept that in mind while putting his opinion in public.” Bulbul concluded as he expressed the confidence of Bangladesh getting the best result in the tournament, especially in the sub-continental conditions.

The situation between India and Bangladesh over the T20 World Cup 2026 has intensified, with the Indian government now closely tracking developments. Sources say the government is working in coordination with the BCCI and is reviewing the matter on a daily basis.

According to a Times of India report, the government is fully aware of the situation and is prepared to “act whenever required.” Bangladesh has asked for its matches to be moved out of India and shifted to Sri Lanka, but the ICC has not yet responded after initially rejecting the request.

With India set to host part of the multi-nation tournament, sources said the government will follow its standard sports policy of welcoming all participating teams. Any action from the Indian side will depend on the final position taken by Bangladesh.

Decision lies with Bangladesh, say sources

A BCCI source made it clear that the first move must come from Bangladesh. “Once their govt makes the stand clear or takes a final decision, only then will Indian authorities react,” the source said, as quoted by TOI. The source added that if Bangladesh decides to withdraw from the tournament or insists on relocation, it would be entirely their own call. Indian authorities will respond only after Dhaka officially communicates its final decision. 

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Bangladesh’s concerns are linked to what it sees as growing anti-Muslim sentiment on Indian social media following the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has also raised concerns after Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the IPL by the BCCI.

Responding to safety concerns, a BCCI source said, “As for the Bangladesh cricket team, there will be full security measures in place. The government's stand has always been that of welcoming every nation coming here to participate. The ball is in their court whether they want to come or not. The decision is entirely theirs."

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has sent a second formal letter to the ICC, giving the global body 48 hours to respond to its request. With the T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled to start on February 7, the ICC’s decision could have major implications for both the BCCI and Bangladesh cricket.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has officially registered for the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In total, ten Bangladeshi cricketers have submitted their names for the tournament.

Player registration for the next PSL season will remain open until January 20. Along with Mustafizur, several well-known players from Bangladesh cricket have shown interest in the league.

Mustafizur’s decision to register for the PSL comes after his sudden exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kolkata Knight Riders(KKR) had bought the left-arm pacer for ₹9.20 crore at the IPL auction after heavy bidding. However, due to pressure from extremist groups in India, the BCCI asked KKR to release the Bangladeshi fast bowler.

Also read-Top 5 list of batters with the most hundreds in the Ashes ft. Steve Smith

𝘽𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙞 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧ed 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙎𝙇 till now:

▪️Mustafizur Rahman
▪️Shakib Al Hasan
▪️Towhid Hridoy
▪️Taskin Ahmed
▪️Rishad Hossain
▪️Tanzid Hasan
▪️Mahmudullah Riyad
▪️Hasan Mahmud
▪️Litton Das

The number of Bangladeshi players… pic.twitter.com/Q2FzAYhbZ5

— Shadman Sakib Arnob (@arnuX05) January 7, 2026

🚨 MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN IN PSL 2026 🚨

- Mustafizur Rahman has officially signed up for PSL 2026. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tAya9MI5dw

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) January 6, 2026

According to Pakistani media reports on Wednesday, the  PSL officially confirmed Mustafizur Rahman’s participation through a social media post late on January 6. This made him the first Bangladeshi player to be confirmed for the PSL 2026 season.

Reports also say that a total of 10 Bangladeshi cricketers have completed the registration process.

Here are the 10 Bangladeshi cricketers who have registered for PSL 2026:

1. Taskin Ahmed
2. Shakib Al Hasan
3. Rishad Hossain
4. Tanzid Hasan
5. Towhid Hridoy
6. Mahmudullah Riyad
7. Hasan Mahmud
8. Litton Das
9. Nahid Rana
10. Mustafizur Rahman

Bangladeshi Players’ Growing Presence in PSL

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has steadily become a popular platform for Bangladeshi cricketers. In the previous season, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Rishad Hossain played for Lahore Qalandars, who went on to win the title.

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Concerns Over Player Safety and ICC Talks

Meanwhile, Litton Das was set to feature for Karachi Kings, while young fast bowler Nahid Rana travelled to join Peshawar Zalmi. However, Rana did not play a single match for Zalmi, and Litton returned home after suffering an injury. These incidents triggered widespread debate in the cricketing world, with questions raised about player safety in India ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally asked the ICC to consider shifting Bangladesh’s World Cup matches from India, citing security concerns. Discussions between the BCB and the ICC are currently ongoing.

Mustafizur Confirmed for PSL 2026

Amid these developments, PSL officials welcomed Mustafizur Rahman through a social media post on the night of January 6. Pakistani media later confirmed that Mustafizur is among the ten Bangladeshi cricketers who have completed their registration for the upcoming PSL season.

Once again, Bangladesh's left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman is in the cricket circle's discussions, this time because of his registration for the Draft of Pakistan Super League 11, which has been planned for the 2026 season. This move follows very closely after his unanticipated departure from Indian Premier League 2026, where he had been acquired in the mini-auction.

Calm amid controversy, Mustafizur lets performances do the talking

Although Kolkata Knight Riders had spent INR 9.20 crore on Mustafizur, his involvement was later denied due to the BCCI's directives. The ruling had its basis in off-the-field matters and had caused a lot of discussions among fans and experts, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board also opposing the move and voicing their objections.

Amidst all the noise and controversy around the situation, Mustafizur's close ones are saying that the pacer has been very calm and focused. The Bangladesh cricket coaching staff have said that Mustafizur has not allowed the setback to affect his mindset and continues to focus on his performances on the field. His recent appearances in domestic cricket, especially his bowling towards the end of the innings, have reiterated that he is still considered one of the best T20 bowlers in the world.

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The signing of Mustafizur for the PSL 11 draft after his IPL disappointment has made a lot of news. He is already being valued highly by a lot of the PSL teams because they think of his experience, skill-set and ability to deliver in difficult situations as their biggest assets. The league’s social media activity with the Bangladeshi fast bowler has also played a part in increasing the talk around a possible transfer.

Mustafizur puts cricket first as IPL controversy opens wider debate

Not only has the whole saga unravelled, it has also set off a discussion about the extent to which political issues are able to affect international cricket, or more exactly, franchise cricket. Nevertheless, Mustafizur’s rapid shift of focus does not only show the professional side of him but also his commitment to the sport. The 30-year-old, who had been a hot pick in the global T20s, has once again demonstrated that he is not a person to be forgotten, by putting cricket first and leaving his options opened.

In case of selection, Mustafizur Rahman will be one of the top international players in the contest who, besides his good reputation, will also be a valuable resource for the team he joins in terms of bowling strength.

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman is unlikely to receive any compensation after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the upcoming IPL season. The decision was taken following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), even though the player had no role in the events that led to his exit. The situation has raised fresh questions about player rights in cases influenced by non-cricketing factors.

Mustafizur was a high-profile signing at the IPL auction, picked up by KKR for ₹9.20 crore after strong competition from Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. However, his contract was terminated after recent incidents involving attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, which reportedly led the Indian cricket board to step in and advise franchises accordingly.

The situation has also affected relations between the two cricket boards. In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has asked for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches to be shifted from India to Sri Lanka. While the debate continues around fairness, current rules leave little protection for the player.

Why Mustafizur Rahman Is Unlikely to Get Any Compensation

Sources say that IPL player salaries are insured, but only under specific conditions. As explained by an IPL insider, "The salaries of all IPL players are insured. For foreign international players, normally the franchise pays if he is injured after joining the camp or during the course of the tournament. Normally up to 50 percent is paid from insurance. It is better for India's injured centrally contracted cricketers who normally get paid by the BCCI."

But Mustafizur Rahman’s situation is not covered under these rules of insurance. His release was not due to injury, fitness concerns, or any cricket-related reason. Since the situation is outside the standard clauses, Kolkata Knight Riders are not legally bound to pay him any compensation.

The source further explained the legal side of the issue, saying, "In case of an insurance claim, this current situation isn't covered so KKR are under no official obligation to pay a penny. It is unfortunate but Mustafiz doesn't have much option but to take a legal route and the IPL comes under Indian law jurisdiction. No overseas cricketer would want to go through this or take the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) route." Political factors also reduce the chances of any legal challenge. As the source added, "The Indo-Bangladesh political scenario is way more fluid than Indo-Pak, and it can change next year, so why would one take the risk of legal recourse."

As things stand, despite being a high-value signing with no professional or disciplinary fault, Mustafizur Rahman is expected to walk away without compensation, highlighting the limits of player protection when decisions are driven by political and administrative factors rather than cricket.

The abrupt removal of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has created a buzz within the cricketing world. Kolkatta Knight Riders selected Mustafizur for the upcoming season, however the reason for his removal from the tournament was not due to any performance related issues, injury concerns, or scheduling conflicts. Rather, it is believed the nature of the decision was very administrative in nature and therefore opened the floodgates for questions surrounding the nature of how such a high-profile decision was made, and who participated in the decision making process.

Many have speculated that Mustafizur's removal was not based upon his play but rather something to do with the administration of the tournament. Current discussions focus on the IPL Governing Council , which is the LLC entity responsible for ensuring that the operational aspects of the IPL are delivered with integrity. Major decisions made by the franchisees that will affect them, as well as other players from foreign countries, are traditionally expected to go through an organized governance process, however there is no current clarity on whether or not the council was consulted before this decision was made.

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Some reports indicate that the decision was made very quickly at the top of the administration of cricket with instructions passed down to the franchisee directly. While you can certainly see a need for urgency to be a factor when the decision was made, you must also wonder if proper due process was followed. The fact that there is no clear process for consultation makes it appear as though there were numerous issues with coordination and decision making in the overall IPL administrative structure.

Governance Issues & Broader Consequences:

This issue of franchise governance has raised awareness about the issue of governance within franchise cricket. When the governing bodies are perceived as not having a central role, they create doubt about their institutional credibility and an overall lack of consistency for both players and franchises. The global nature of the IPL means that decisions that occur without adequate oversight may not only affect the tournament, but also have significant reputational consequences for the IPL as well as the franchisees and players.

Additionally to the domestic governance issues, Mustafizur Rahman's exit represents an international response to cricketing decisions and demonstrates how cricketing decisions can influence one's national pride. Therefore, this situation highlights the need for structured consultation and the need for transparency when developing rules and regulations within international leagues. With this in mind, it is important for the IPL's Governing Council to have a clear and open channel of communication with their members and to be able to communicate the importance of maintaining the integrity and reputation of the IPL as an International Cricket Council (ICC) Member.

The current relationship between India and Bangladesh has got another chapter in the sour page as the latter’s premium pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, was released from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 squad after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave direction to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Mustafizur lost a contract of 9.2 crore as Bangladesh wrote a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) requesting to relocate their T20 World Cup 2026 games out of India. Less than 24 hours from that decision, the Bangladesh government issued a notice to suspend IPL broadcast in the country for an indefinite period.

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“In view of the above subject, it is being informed that it has come to our attention that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed the exclusion of Bangladeshi star player Mr. Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders team for the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament scheduled to be held from March 26, 2026.” The government’s letter to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting read.

Bangladesh government bans IPL broadcast in their country

The BCB director, Faruque Ahmed, directed the board to refuse to play their World Cup matches on Indian soil as he issued security reasons behind the refusal and wanted the hybrid model to be followed, just like India and Pakistan matches, where they will face each other in Sri Lanka.

“No logical reason is known for such a decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, and such a decision has saddened, hurt, and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh. Under these circumstances, until further notice, it is requested as per instructions to stop the broadcast/telecast of all matches and programs of the Indian Premier League (IPL).” The Ministry letter is addressed.

It will now be a logistical nightmare for the ICC to make the final call as Bangladesh are placed in Group C alongside West Indies, Italy, England, and Nepal, and are scheduled to play all of their games in Kolkata and Mumbai with the campaign beginning on February 07.