The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially decided that Bangladesh will not travel to India for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. The decision came after a board meeting today with all 17 directors present.

Background of the Decision

The issue arose after Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to threats from extremists. Last night, BCB directors met online. Initially, most directors advised against strict action. However, after consulting the government, they changed their stance and decided not to send the team to India.

Nazmul Abedin, Head of Cricket Operations, told Prothom Alo:
“We will officially clarify our stance soon through a press release.”

Later, Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul confirmed the decision on Facebook:
“Bangladesh will not go to India to play in the World Cup. This decision is a response to extremist communal policies of the Indian cricket board.”

Player Safety Concerns

The safety of Bangladesh players became a major concern after Mustafizur Rahman faced threats. A BCB source confirmed that this was the main reason for writing to the ICC, requesting a change of venue for the World Cup matches.

2026 T20 World Cup Schedule

The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. According to the schedule:

• Bangladesh will play its first match against West Indies in Kolkata on February 7.
• The other three group-stage matches will also be held in Kolkata and Mumbai.

Bangladesh Squad for the World Cup

This morning, BCB announced a 15-member squad for the tournament, naming Liton Das as captain.

FAQs

Q1: Why is Bangladesh not going to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
A1: The decision was made due to safety concerns for players after Mustafizur Rahman faced threats during the IPL.

Q2: Who confirmed the decision officially?
A2: Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul confirmed the decision on Facebook, and BCB will release an official statement soon.

Q3: When and where will Bangladesh play their first World Cup match?
A3: Bangladesh will play against West Indies in Kolkata on February 7, 2026.

Q4: Who is the captain of Bangladesh for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
A4: Liton Das has been named as captain of the 15-member squad.