Bangladesh has decided not to play its scheduled matches in India during the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, citing serious concerns over the safety and security of its players as diplomatic and social tensions between the two neighbours intensify.
Matches in Kolkata Cancelled
The Bangladesh national team was slated to play three group-stage matches in Kolkata next month as part of the T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. However, those plans have now been put on hold.
In an official statement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said the decision was taken after reviewing the prevailing situation and following advice from the Bangladesh government.
BCB Requests Match Relocation
The board confirmed that it has formally approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move all of Bangladesh’s matches to a venue outside India. Sri Lanka has been suggested as an alternative host for their fixtures.
Earlier, a senior adviser to Bangladesh’s sports ministry publicly stated that the team would not travel to India, welcoming the move as necessary given what he described as an unfavourable environment.
Diplomatic Strain in the Background
Relations between India and Bangladesh have been under strain in recent months. Tensions escalated further after violent protests erupted in Bangladesh following the killing of a Hindu factory worker accused of making offensive religious remarks. The incident triggered demonstrations in New Delhi and led to multiple arrests in Bangladesh.
Political ties were already fragile after Bangladesh’s former prime minister sought refuge in India following mass protests at home.
IPL Development Added to Concerns
The situation intensified after Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by his Indian Premier League franchise. The move reportedly came at the request of India’s cricket board, despite the player being signed for a record fee for a Bangladeshi cricketer.
Following his release, the BCB convened an emergency meeting, after which the request to relocate World Cup matches was formally made.
Seeking Answers from Indian Authorities
Bangladesh officials have questioned how players can feel secure travelling to India when a contracted cricketer was unable to participate in the IPL. The board is expected to seek a formal explanation regarding the release.
ICC Yet to Decide
The ICC has not yet announced a final decision on the request. In previous instances, the governing body has relocated matches due to strained bilateral relations, setting a precedent for neutral venues in high-profile tournaments.
Group Matches at Stake
Bangladesh was due to face West Indies, England, and Italy in Kolkata, before concluding the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai. The future venues for these matches will now depend on the ICC’s response.
The development adds a new layer of uncertainty to the tournament, highlighting how political and security concerns continue to impact international cricket.
