Published : 05 Jan 2026, 06:29 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 02:59 PM
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that its decision not to send the team to the T20 World Cup in India was taken “in consultation with the government”.
Whether that consultation amounted to advice or a strict directive remains a subject of speculation. What is clear, however, is that the choice was not solely the board’s: the government played a decisive role.
The decision followed the controversy over Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the Indian Premier League, which created tensions that ultimately influenced the board.
BCB Director and Head of Cricket Operations Nazmul Abedin told bdnews24.com around 2:15pm on Sunday that a detailed statement would be issued soon, which was ultimately released at 5:30pm.
The statement read: “After a thorough review of the current situation and the growing security concerns for the Bangladesh team in India, and in consideration of the Bangladesh government’s advice, the board of directors has concluded that the national team will not participate in this tournament in India.
“In light of this decision, the BCB has formally requested the ICC to consider hosting Bangladesh’s matches outside India.”
Hours before the official announcement, Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul had already indicated the board’s decision on social media. The move came as a surprise to many in the cricketing community, as the board’s position earlier on Sunday had been different.
After Mustafizur’s release from the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, BCB President Aminul Islam faced the media in Sylhet on Saturday evening, responding cautiously and claiming that the Indian board had not formally communicated anything.
On the question of whether it was appropriate to play in India, he said the board would decide after consulting its directors.
Later in the night, several directors met and agreed on a “take it slow” approach, according to at least two of them -- both asking not to be named. The board planned to write to the ICC only to express security concerns, without requesting a venue change.
One director told bdnews24.com that the board would proceed realistically.
“We cannot request a venue change -- that is the ICC’s prerogative. We can, however, seek clarity on security. Major tournaments like the World Cup already include security arrangements with the host board.
“We will convey our concerns. Sudden venue changes a month before the World Cup are unrealistic, but ensuring our players’ safety is our priority.”
Other considerations included past tensions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI): India’s tour to Bangladesh was postponed last year, scheduled again for August this year, followed by the Asia Cup and the Women’s U19 World Cup, with a joint ODI World Cup in 2031. The board had been reluctant to escalate tensions with India.
Three BCB directors, on the condition of anonymity, confirmed to bdnews24.com that firm government advice forced the board’s final decision, with a key government advisor taking an uncompromising stance.
Many directors were aware of potential fallout, including ICC refusing a venue change and the risk of Bangladesh being excluded if the board insisted. Nevertheless, under government pressure, the board found no alternative path.
Advisor Nazrul had earlier condemned the situation on social media: “By bowing to extremist communal groups, the Indian board instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Mustafizur Rahman. I strongly protest this.
“As sports advisor, I have instructed the cricket board to explain to the ICC that if one contracted Bangladeshi player cannot play in India, the national team cannot be considered safe to play there. I have also instructed the board to request Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka.”
The BCB ultimately followed these instructions. The statement expressed hope that the ICC would understand the concerns and respond promptly.
With ICC chief Jay Shah -- son of India’s Home Minister Amit Shah and former secretary of the Indian board -- still influential in Indian cricket, BCB directors remain concerned about how much their request will be understood.
For now, the board awaits ICC’s response, with turbulent times expected ahead.
