Bangladesh refuse to travel to India for T20 World Cup

Bangladesh have refused to travel to India for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, with the BCB citing concerns around "safety and well-being" of the players in a climate of deteriorating political ties between the two countries, and sparked by BCCI instructions to Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman.

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Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches were scheduled to be held in Kolkata and Mumbai, with their opening fixture against West Indies at Eden Gardens on February 7. With just a month to go for the start of the tournament, the BCB's decision throws the schedule into some disarray.

"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 statement.

"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."