Bangladesh Wants T20 World Cup Matches Shifted From India

In a move that has created widespread discussion in the international cricket community, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has formally requested that its matches in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup be shifted out of India. The decision has been taken citing concerns over the safety and well-being of players, at a time when the tournament was expected to be a celebration of the sport.

The board made its position clear in an official statement, explaining that it has asked the sport’s global governing body to consider relocating the fixtures to venues outside India. Officials indicated that the request was based on the current political environment and recent developments that have caused unease within the Bangladesh camp.

The T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin in February, is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh was initially scheduled to play multiple matches in Indian cities. However, the board stated that its concerns extend beyond the playing conditions and include the overall safety of players and support staff, particularly in light of recent regional tensions.

A key development that reportedly influenced the board’s thinking was the release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from his Indian Premier League franchise. The move was seen by many as unusual and added to concerns within the team’s management. While such decisions are typically handled by franchises, the incident raised questions and contributed to growing uncertainty.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has emphasized that player safety remains its top priority. Officials believe that hosting the matches at a neutral or alternate venue, such as Sri Lanka, would provide greater reassurance. The tournament organizers have acknowledged the request and confirmed that discussions are ongoing, though no final decision has been made so far.

The situation has placed cricket administrators in a challenging position. Shifting matches at this stage would involve logistical hurdles, including changes to scheduling, venues, and travel arrangements. Any such move would require close coordination between the host nations and cricket authorities.

For now, Bangladesh’s request remains under review. Fans, players, and officials across the cricketing world are closely watching how the situation unfolds, as it could become a defining issue in the build-up to one of the sport’s biggest global tournaments.