With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directing Kolkata Knight Riders to release their player Mustafizur Rahman from a contract for IPL 2026, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) plans to approach the ICC regarding a change of venue for their matches during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which India will co-host with Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh is set to play against the West Indies (February 7, 2026), Italy (February 9), and England (February 14) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and against Nepal (February 17) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Due to BCCI’s decision not to allow Mustafizur to compete in India—following concerns raised by some due to incidents involving Hindus in Bangladesh—the BCB has expressed concerns about the safety of its players while playing in India. They are therefore seeking alternate venues.
A senior BCB official mentioned to Telecom Asia Sport that they will escalate the matter to the ICC, considering the mounting tension between the two countries. “I cannot make any comment regarding the release of Mustafizur as this is their internal matter, but as far as taking part in the World Cup is concerned, it is an ICC event, and they will make the final call after taking everything into consideration,” the official stated.
The BCB intends to address the T20 World Cup venue issue with the ICC soon. Notably, Pakistan has also opted not to play in India after India’s refusal to travel for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that they have instructed KKR to release Mustafizur “due to the unrest that has developed across that country.” He added, “BCCI has instructed KKR to release Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. BCCI will allow them to pick any replacement player of their choice.”
Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, later confirmed Mustafizur’s release. “Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI or IPL, as the regulator of IPL, has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League season. The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course,” said the franchise in a statement.
Mustafizur, 30, was signed by Kolkata at the most recent mini-auction for 92 million rupees ($1.1 million), marking the highest price ever paid for a Bangladeshi player in the tournament. He has previously played for five IPL franchises over eight seasons, debuting in 2016 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he helped the team win the title and was named Emerging Player of the Tournament.
Diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated following a mob-enforced regime change a few months ago, leading to violence against Hindus in Bangladesh by mobs linked to fundamentalist groups.
The BCCI has also postponed a tour by the Indian men’s team to Bangladesh planned for ODIs and T20s. Although the BCB has listed the series for September 2026 in its calendar, prospects of it proceeding appear bleak considering the current circumstances.
The BCB is expected to address this concern with the ICC in their discussions about the T20 World Cup venues.