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Published : 05 Jan 2026, 12:38 PM
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised India’s handling of a growing cricket controversy after Bangladesh asked that their matches at next month’s T20 World Cup be moved out of India.
“Hardly surprising. We have brought this embarrassment upon ourselves,” Tharoor wrote on X, reacting to Bangladesh’s decision to seek a venue change following the release of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said it had formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift their matches to Sri Lanka, citing concerns over the safety and dignity of players.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the board on Sunday.
“The Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions,” the BCB said in a statement.
It also confirmed that its decision not to send the team was taken in “consideration of the Bangladesh government’s advice”.
Bangladesh were scheduled to play all four of their group-stage matches in India.
Pakistan, however, will play their matches in Sri Lanka under a neutral-venue arrangement.
The controversy emerged after Mustafizur, who was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for more than $1 million at the IPL auction in December, was released from the squad.
According to Indian daily The Times of India, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia later said the franchise had been “advised to release” the Bangladesh pacer “considering recent developments”.
BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul said ensuring player security remained the board’s top priority.
Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul also criticised the development, warning that the situation could have broader implications.
“Where a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India despite being contracted, the entire Bangladeshi cricket team cannot feel safe going to play in the World Cup,” he said.
The row comes amid strained political relations between Bangladesh and India, with Bangladesh set to hold national elections on Feb 12.
