Following its earlier call to shift 2026 T20 World Cup games to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh's sports minister Asif Nazrul has reiterated the team will not play in India, citing unresolved security risks and national dignity after a BCB meeting and amid BCCI admissions.
Bangladesh doubles down on T20 World Cup boycott in India
Dhaka, January 8, 2026: Building on its January 3 directive to relocate matches to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh's sports minister Asif Nazrul has stated the cricket team will not participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. "We cannot play this tournament at the cost of the security of our players, spectators, and journalists, nor compromise on the country's dignity," Nazrul said after meeting Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) directors, who unanimously agreed.
Nazrul referenced a recent ICC letter, arguing it fails to grasp India's security situation. He highlighted the BCCI's admission that it cannot secure even one Bangladeshi player—referring to pacer Mustafizur Rahman's IPL release—prompting questions about national team safety.
Tensions trace back to Rahman's contract termination by Kolkata Knight Riders on BCCI instructions, linked to reported violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The BCB has urged the ICC for a neutral venue, but the ICC insists on the original schedule with matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.
Bangladesh plans to formally explain its stance to the ICC, maintaining no compromise on security and respect.
