T20 World Cup 2026: Bangladesh refuses to play matches in India

January 4, 2026

NewDelhi: Bangladesh has decided not to play its T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India. This decision comes just a day after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) requested the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL 2026 team.

Tough stance after Mustafizur Rahman incident

This decision appears to further increase tensions in India-Bangladesh cricket relations. Previously, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had written to the ICC and BCCI regarding security arrangements during the World Cup. However, following the incident involving Mustafizur Rahman, the BCB has now decided to take a firm stance against playing matches in India.

An official statement has not yet been issued by the BCB. Currently, Pakistan is the only team that will not play its matches in India as per the pre-arranged agreement.

Increased challenge for organizers, scheduling crisis

If Bangladesh persists with its decision, it could pose a major logistical challenge for the BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Bangladesh was scheduled to play all of its league matches in India, three of which were scheduled at Eden Gardens in Kolkata and one at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Typically, teams that refuse to play at designated venues lose points, but the situation has become more complicated due to Bangladesh having all of their group matches in India. If the demands are not met, a boycott of the tournament could occur, although a solution is currently being hoped for.

Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule

February 7:    Against West Indies – Eden Gardens, Kolkata
February 9:    Against Italy – Eden Gardens, Kolkata
February 14:  Against England – Eden Gardens, Kolkata
February 17:  Against Nepal – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai