Bangladesh are in Group C with England, West Indies, Nepal and Italy
Bangladesh declines to travel to India for World Cup
Bangladesh has decided against traveling to India for the T20 World Cup scheduled next month “under the current circumstances” and has requested that their matches be relocated, as stated by the country’s cricket board. Bangladesh bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released from his Indian Premier League team at the behest of the Indian board amid escalating tensions between the nations. This prompted an emergency meeting at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which now claims it has “formally requested” the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate all matches involving Bangladesh. “The board believes that such a measure is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of Bangladeshi players, team officials, board members, and other stakeholders and to confirm that the team can compete in the tournament in a safe and suitable environment,” the statement read. This action threatens to disrupt a tournament that starts on 7 February and has already been influenced by the geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. Bangladesh is scheduled to play all four of their group-stage games in India, including the opening match against West Indies and a game against England in Kolkata on 14 February. The tournament is co-hosted by Sri Lanka, where all of Pakistan’s matches will take place due to the prevailing tensions with India. The recent killing of a Hindu man amid violent protests in Bangladesh has further strained relations between Bangladesh and India. The individual was accused of blasphemy and was killed by a mob in the predominantly Muslim nation, sparking protests by Hindu nationalist groups in India. Anti-India feelings in Bangladesh have escalated since the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina took refuge in the country in 2024. India has consistently declined to send her back despite numerous requests, which has led to violent protests following the assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, a noted student leader, in Bangladesh. Mustafizur was pulled from an IPL contract with Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday. No rationale for the decision was provided by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), but secretary Devajit Saikia cited “recent developments.” “The board evaluated the situation comprehensively, considering developments over the past 24 hours, and expressed grave concern regarding the overall circumstances surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in matches set to take place in India,” stated the BCB, which also revealed its 15-man squad on Sunday. “After a detailed review of the current situation and the rising worries about the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India… the board of directors concluded that the national team will not travel to India for the tournament under the existing conditions.” The ICC has not responded to the BBC’s inquiry for a comment. Bangladesh squad for T20 World Cup: Litton Das (capt), Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Shoriful Islam.
Published: 2026-01-04 12:36:00
source: www.bbc.com
