New Delhi: Bangladesh Cricket Board announced a refusal to travel to India for the T20 World Cup under present conditions and requested relocation of all scheduled matches. The decision followed an emergency meeting after growing political tension between the two countries.
The board said player safety and welfare drove the move. Officials expressed concern for players, team staff, board members, and related personnel. The board sent a formal request to the International Cricket Council seeking a venue change.
The tournament opens on 7 February. Bangladesh holds four group stage fixtures in India. These include the opening match against West Indies and a match against England in Kolkata on 14 February. The request places fresh pressure on tournament planning.
Political strain has already altered the event structure. Sri Lanka hosts all Pakistan matches due to unresolved India Pakistan tensions.
The situation escalated after the killing of a Hindu man during violent protests in Bangladesh. The mob attack followed an accusation of blasphemy. The episode triggered protests by Hindu nationalist groups in India. Diplomatic ties worsened further after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India in 2024. Indian authorities declined requests for her return. Bangladesh also faced unrest after the murder of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi.
Indian cricket authorities released Bangladesh bowler Mustafizur Rahman from his Indian Premier League contract with Kolkata Knight Riders. The decision followed recent developments, according to the Indian board secretary.
Bangladesh Cricket Board reviewed events from the previous 24 hours and voiced deep concern over participation in India based matches. The board confirmed the squad announcement alongside the travel refusal.
The International Cricket Council has issued no public response.
