Bangladesh officially announce T20 World Cup 2026 boycott, refuse to travel to India over security fears

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has reportedly decided that the national team will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing security concerns. According to local reports, the decision was taken after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Bangladeshi star player Mustafizur Rahman ahead of IPL 2026.

Cricket relations between India and Bangladesh have worsened at the moment. The BCCI has reportedly decided not to tour Bangladesh for a bilateral series. Mustafizur was released from the IPL, and these developments have added to the strain between the two cricket boards, pushing ties to a low point.

Mustafizur Rahman's IPL Exit Triggers Strong Reaction in Bangladesh

Kolkata Knight Riders spent big at the IPL 2026 mini-auction by buying Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore. However, the franchise faced heavy criticism due to the political unrest in Bangladesh. As a result, KKR released the fast bowler just months before the new season.

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The decision did not go down well in Bangladesh. The country’s sports advisor reacted strongly and directed the Information and Broadcast Ministry to ban the IPL in Bangladesh.

At the same time, the Bangladesh Cricket Board decided to take the matter further. The board wrote to the International Cricket Council, asking for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches to be moved from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.

Bangladesh Decide Against India Travel for T20 World Cup Over Security Concerns

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided that the national team will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The decision was taken after a meeting, with security concerns cited as the main reason.

According to local reports, the situation worsened after an Indian domestic franchise was asked to drop Mustafizur Rahman, which led to growing tension and anti-Bangladesh sentiment.

- We don’t want to tour India for the T20 World Cup, due to security concerns! Bangladesh Cricket Board sent an email to ICC

— Asif Khan (@mak_asif) January 4, 2026

🚨 BREAKING & OFFICIAL: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided after their meeting that the team will NOT travel to India for the T20 World Cup due to security concerns.#BCB #India #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/TX8NmwBX67

— Saif Ahmed (@saifahmed75) January 4, 2026

Following this, the BCB formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) about its decision. The board made it clear that player safety is the top priority and that it does not feel comfortable sending the team to India under the current circumstances.

However, changing venues so close to the tournament could be difficult for the ICC. With just a month to go, logistics such as team travel, accommodation, broadcast planning, and match-day operations are already finalized. Notably, Pakistan are scheduled to play all their matches in Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh Announce Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Bangladesh have been placed in Group C at the 2026 T20 World Cup along with the West Indies, England, Italy, and Nepal. They will start their campaign against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Bangladesh will then face Italy and England at the same venue on February 9 and 14. Their final group match will be against Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 17.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board announced a 15-member squad for the tournament on January 4. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed returned to the squad, while wicketkeeper Jaker Ali was dropped.

Jaker had led Bangladesh in the 2025 T20 Asia Cup when Litton Kumar Das was injured. In this squad, Mohammed Saif Hassan has been named vice-captain. Mahidul Islam Ankon and Najmul Hossain Shanto are also missing from the squad.

Also read: Bangladesh T20 World Cup squad announced amid Mustafizur Rahman row; Hindu cricketer named captain